Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, mornings are a symphony of birdsong. But amidst the familiar melodies, you might occasionally catch a hauntingly beautiful, yet unfamiliar, tune. That, my dear reader, could be the elusive Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush.
A Master of Camouflage
Despite its name, this little thrush (measuring a mere 6.7 inches) is far more likely to be heard than seen. With a plumage of varying shades of grey – darkest on the head and lightening towards the belly – it blends seamlessly into the dense understory of our mountain forests. Its only splashes of color are the bright orange legs, bill, and eye ring, features you’ll only glimpse if it ventures into a patch of sunlight.
A Voice Like a Flute
While shy by nature, the Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush is a gifted vocalist. Its song is a series of simple, flute-like phrases, often repeated in a melancholic cadence. It’s a sound that resonates through the stillness of the forest, a reminder of the hidden beauty that thrives in these hidden corners.
A Creature of the Cloud Forests
The Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush is a permanent resident in the high-altitude cloud forests of Costa Rica, ranging from Costa Rica all the way down to Bolivia. These cool, damp havens provide the perfect habitat for this little thrush, with their dense vegetation offering both food and shelter. While our mountain retreat provides ideal conditions for spotting this bird, you might also encounter it in similar high-elevation forests throughout the country.
Tips for Seeing the Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush
While a challenge to see, with a little patience and these tips, you might get lucky:
- Early Bird Gets the Thrush: These thrushes are most active at dawn and dusk, so head out for a nature walk during these times and keep your ears peeled.
- Follow the Song: The best way to locate a Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush is by its song. Once you hear it, try to stay still and quietly follow the sound, keeping your eyes peeled for any movement in the undergrowth.
- Listen for Scrapes: Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrushes forage on the forest floor, hopping about and occasionally kicking up leaves. Listen for these tell-tale sounds to help pinpoint their location.
A Reward for the Patient Birder
Spotting a Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush is a true birding triumph. But even if you don’t manage to see one, the haunting beauty of its song echoing through the mountains will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. So, keep your ears open, and who knows, you might just be serenaded by this shy songster during your stay at our Costa Rican retreat.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
