Marvelous Avian Wonders: Unveiling a Long Silky-Tailed Bird with Striking Crest and Exceptional Color Fusion

In the remote and captivating landscapes of Costa Rica and western Panama, a splendid avian wonder graces the mountainous terrain — the Long-Tailed Silky-Flycatcher (Ptiliogonys caudatus). Measuring approximately 24 cm in length, this striking bird possesses a pale gray forehead that contrasts with its vibrant coloration. Weighing around 37 grams, it resembles a thrush in size and stature, showcasing its unique features with remarkable elegance.

The Long-Tailed Silky-Flycatcher boasts an ensemble of hues that make it a sight to behold. A crest adorns its head, neck, and throat, resplendent in brilliant yellow. As our gaze trails down its form, we encounter shades of blue-gray on its back, lower breast, and upper belly, creating an enchanting color fusion. The long pointed tail and flight feathers, on the other hand, stand out in bold black. Adding an artistic touch, the outer tail feathers are delicately spotted with white.

Diverging from its male counterpart, the female Long-Tailed Silky-Flycatcher is characterized by her smaller size, measuring 21 cm in length. Her appearance is generally more subdued, with a darker gray forehead, olive body plumage, and a slightly shorter, less glossy black tail.

Even the juvenile members of this avian species possess a charm of their own. While bearing a resemblance to their adult counterparts, their central tail feathers are shorter, and the distinct white spotting on the outer tail is less pronounced.

The Long-Tailed Silky-Flycatcher’s habitat is restricted to the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,850 meters to the timberline. These remarkable birds prefer mountain forests, secondary forests, and pastures bordered by wooded ravines as their chosen abode.

During periods of non-breeding, Long-Tailed Silky-Flycatchers often gather in small flocks, sallying out in search of insects or indulging in small fruits like mistletoe. They exhibit remarkable agility, often seen savoring sugar water from hummingbird feeders and nectar plants while even being capable of feeding while hanging upside down.

The breeding season for these avian wonders spans from April to June. During this time, they build distinctive cup-shaped nests, either in solitude or in small groups of up to five pairs. Crafted primarily from lichen, these nests are artfully adorned with caterpillar silk or spider web for added strength. Positioned within tree forks or on the main stems of tall trees or shrubs among dense foliage, these nests provide excellent protection against predators and the elements. Nest-building is a collaborative endeavor, with both male and female contributing to the construction process. The male takes on the role of feeding the female during this phase.

Upon the completion of the nest, the female lays around two eggs and takes charge of incubation for about 16 to 17 days, with the male continuing to provide sustenance. After hatching, the chicks are tended to by both parents and venture out of the nest after approximately 24 to 25 days.

While this bird is often referred to as “common,” its modest population is under threat due to habitat destruction caused by activities such as burning, logging, and agricultural expansion. As these remarkable Long-Tailed Silky-Flycatchers grace the mountains with their presence, it’s essential that we recognize and appreciate their exceptional beauty while also taking steps to ensure their continued existence amid the challenges they face.