High up in the Costa Rican canopy, a flash of blue-gray catches your eye. It’s not a butterfly, nor a trick of the light. It’s the Blue-gray Saltator (Saltator coerulescens), a resident songbird with a talent for staying hidden in plain sight. This blog post takes you into the world of this understated bird, a common sight in the lowlands of Costa Rica, including the Central Valley region where our retreat is nestled.

A Master of Camouflage

The Blue-gray Saltator lives up to its name. Its plumage is a beautiful blend of cool grays and light olive on the upperparts, with a warm tawny wash on the underbelly. A crisp white stripe above the eye adds a touch of personality. This coloration makes it a master of camouflage, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dappled light filtering through the leaves. You might miss it entirely if you’re not looking closely!

A Song Worth Listening For

While its appearance might be subtle, the Blue-gray Saltator more than makes up for it with its voice. Its song is a delightful warble, a short and sweet melody with a surprising amount of variation. Some describe it as nasal, while others find it mellow – the beauty lies in its individuality. Listen carefully for a long-drawn upward slur, like a “ch’wheeet” or “ch’kweeee,” sometimes preceded by a more elaborate introduction.

A Seed Disperser Extraordinaire

This little songbird plays a crucial role in the Costa Rican ecosystem. Primarily a seed-eater, the Blue-gray Saltator feasts on a variety of fruits and seeds. With its strong beak, it easily cracks open tough shells, consuming the nutritious insides. But here’s the secret – the Blue-gray Saltator rarely eats the entire seed. It discards a portion, unwittingly dispersing seeds throughout the forest floor. These discarded seeds germinate, helping to regenerate the very trees that provide the bird with food and shelter.

Where to Find the Blue-gray Saltator

While not as flashy as some of its tropical neighbors, the Blue-gray Saltator is a delightful addition to the Costa Rican birding experience. You can find this little songbird in a variety of semi-open habitats, including:

• Forest edges
• Second-growth thickets
• Hedges
• Tangles

They’re particularly fond of areas with morning glory flowers, which they silently munch on. So, the next time you’re exploring the lush Costa Rican landscape, keep your ears tuned for the sweet warble of the Blue-gray Saltator. With a little patience, you might just catch a glimpse of this unassuming songster flitting through the trees.

Bonus Tip:

The Blue-gray Saltator is often quite shy. To increase your chances of spotting one, try birding early in the morning when they’re more active. Look for them perched on branches in the mid-story of the forest, keeping an eye out for movement or listening for their distinctive call.

We hope this blog post has piqued your interest in the Blue-gray Saltator. As you explore the wonders of Costa Rica, keep an eye out for this little songbird – a true testament to the beauty of nature’s hidden gems.

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

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)