Here at our mountain retreat, nestled amidst the lush Costa Rican rainforest, we’re surrounded by a symphony of birdsong. Today, we turn our binoculars to a familiar friend, a tiny titan with a big personality: the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet.

A Bird by Any Other Name…

This little wonder (measuring just 4 inches!) goes by a mouthful of a name – the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (Camptostoma imberbe). But don’t let the long name intimidate you. Birders will appreciate the “beardless” part – unlike many flycatchers, this species lacks the facial bristles around the bill.

A Flash of Gray with a Hidden Crest

While not the most vibrantly colored bird, the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet is a charmer. Its plumage is a subtle blend of olive-gray on the upperparts, with a slightly darker crown and paler underparts. Look closely, and you might spot a hint of yellow on the belly. But the true giveaway is the peaked crown, which the bird can raise when agitated – a display that adds to its feisty personality.

Listen for the Song, Not the Hunt

While some flycatchers are known for their acrobatic sallies after insects, the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet takes a different approach. This little hunter prefers to glean insects from leaves and twigs, much like a vireo or warbler. You might even see it hopping actively through the branches at mid-levels of the forest.

But the best way to spot this elusive bird is by listening for its song. Unlike the aggressive sallies of other flycatchers, the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet offers a series of descending, plaintive whistles – a melancholic tune that will surely capture your attention.

A Tiny Bird with a Big Range

The Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet is a resident breeder here in Costa Rica, but its range stretches from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America. It prefers light forests, woodlands, and even gardens with trees – making it a potential visitor to parks and backyards throughout the country.

A Glimpse into the Rainforest Ecosystem

Despite its small size, the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet plays a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem. By preying on insects, it helps control populations and keeps the forest healthy.

Spotting Your Own Tiny Titan

So, how can you increase your chances of encountering this little wonder on your Costa Rican adventure? Keep your eyes peeled for a small, grayish bird flitting through the mid-story of the forest. Listen for the melancholic whistles, and if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet – a tiny titan with a big heart.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post, where we’ll explore another feathered jewel of the Costa Rican rainforest!

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

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