Here at our mountain retreat in Costa Rica, mornings erupt in a symphony of birdsong. Amongst the chorus, a high-pitched, rapid chirp might pique your curiosity. That, my friend, could be the delightful Northern Bentbill!

This little flycatcher, a mere 4 inches tall, is a common resident in the Costa Rican highlands, including the lush mountain range that embraces our retreat. While not as vibrantly colored as some of its rainforest cousins, the Northern Bentbill holds its own charm.

A Shrewd Hunter with a Bent for Bill

As its name suggests, the Northern Bentbill boasts a slightly hooked upper beak. This unique adaptation aids it in its relentless pursuit of insects. Perched on a low branch or flitting amongst the leaves, it keeps a keen eye out for prey. Once spotted, the Northern Bentbill launches into a short, acrobatic flight, snapping up its target with impressive precision.

Their diet consists primarily of flies, beetles, and grasshoppers. They’re insectivores extraordinaire, keeping the forest ecosystem in balance by controlling insect populations.

A Master of Many Habitats

The Northern Bentbill isn’t picky about its home. You can find them in various habitats, including:

• Subtropical or tropical dry forests: These are the areas with less rainfall, often characterized by shorter trees and spiny vegetation.
• Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests: These rainforests boast a dense canopy and abundant undergrowth, offering the Northern Bentbill a variety of hunting grounds.
• Heavily degraded former forest: While they prefer pristine woodlands, Northern Bentbills can adapt to areas that have undergone logging or agricultural conversion. This adaptability makes them a relatively common sight in Costa Rica.

A Melodious Resident

While not known for elaborate songs, the Northern Bentbill contributes its fair share to the morning chorus. Their primary call is a high-pitched, rapid chirp, often described as a “chip-chip-chip” or “treet-treet-treet.” They also have a short, whistled song that’s more melodic but less frequently heard.

Spotting the Northern Bentbill

Due to their small size and preference for the lower canopy, spotting a Northern Bentbill can be a challenge. But with a little patience and some helpful tips, you might just get lucky:

• Listen for their calls: The high-pitched chirp is the giveaway. Once you hear it, focus on the area and see if you can spot any movement.
• Early mornings are best: Bird activity is generally highest in the first few hours after sunrise. So, grab a cup of coffee on the porch and listen intently.
• Look for movement in the lower branches: Northern Bentbills tend to perch on low branches or flit amongst the undergrowth. Scanning this area will increase your chances of spotting one.

Keep in mind that birdwatching requires patience and practice. But with a little effort, you might just find yourself gazing upon this little hunter, a vital part of the Costa Rican mountain ecosystem.

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

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