Hotel Rivel

The Stub-tailed Spadebill: A Tiny Treasure of the Rainforest Canopy

High in the emerald embrace of Costa Rica’s rainforests, flitting amongst the leaves, resides a little gem – the Stub-tailed Spadebill. This petite tyrant flycatcher, measuring a mere 3.74 inches, might be easy to miss, but its charm is undeniable.

A Distinctive Appearance

The Stub-tailed Spadebill lives up to its name with a noticeably short, brown tail. Its upper parts are a warm, rich brown that extends from its head down its back and wings. But don’t be fooled by the muted tones – the spadebill boasts a captivating face pattern. A pale lower mandible gives way to a clean white throat, while a striking yellow stripe graces the area behind the eye. The breast pops with a sunny yellow in males, while females may sport a combination of brown and yellow.

A Master of Camouflage

The Stub-tailed Spadebill is a master of disguise. Its plumage blends beautifully with the dappled sunlight filtering through the rainforest canopy, making it a true test of observation skills for birdwatchers. But don’t despair! This little flycatcher often gives away its presence with its vocalizations.

Listen for the Call

The Stub-tailed Spadebill’s call is a bright, nasal chi-dik or chi-di-dik. Often delivered after a short flight, it serves as an alert, prompting birders to scan the foliage for a glimpse of this well-camouflaged wonder. Once perched, the spadebill becomes frustratingly still, its cryptic plumage melting back into the rainforest tapestry.

A Life in the Trees

The Stub-tailed Spadebill is a creature of the understory, preferring the shady haven beneath the rainforest’s towering giants. Here, it flits from branch to branch, a flash of brown and yellow against the verdant backdrop. This little flycatcher is an expert acrobat, adept at maneuvering through the dense foliage in its relentless pursuit of prey.

A Devoted Insectivore

The Stub-tailed Spadebill is an insectivore at heart. Its broad, flat bill, characteristic of the tyrant flycatcher family, is perfectly adapted for snatching flying insects mid-air. It gleans spiders and other invertebrates from leaves and branches, its sharp eyes and lightning-fast reflexes ensuring a successful hunt.

A Tiny Resident of Costa Rica’s Rainforests

The Stub-tailed Spadebill graces the rainforests of Central America, with its range stretching from tropical southern Mexico down to western Panama. In Costa Rica, you’ll find this little wonder in both tropical dry rainforests and the more common tropical moist lowlands. So, keep your ears tuned for that tell-tale chi-dik as you explore the verdant depths of Costa Rica’s rainforests. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, you might just catch a glimpse of this captivating little denizen of the trees.

Spotting the Spadebill at our Retreat

Our mountain retreat here in Costa Rica offers the perfect opportunity to encounter the Stub-tailed Spadebill. The lush rainforests surrounding our haven provide a natural habitat for this tiny tyrant flycatcher. With our knowledgeable guides by your side, you’ll be equipped with the necessary skills to identify this little gem and many other fascinating rainforest inhabitants.

So, come join us and embark on a birding adventure unlike any other. As you delve deeper into the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforests, you might just discover the magic of the Stub-tailed Spadebill, a tiny treasure waiting to be unveiled.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

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