The black-billed nightingale-thrush is a small thrush endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. Its position in the genus Catharus is somewhat equivocal, but it is apparently closer to the hermit thrush than to the other nightingale-thrushes except the russet nightingale-thrush and/or the ruddy-capped nightingale-thrush.
Region
Central American Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane cloud forests and elfin forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. It favors dense, mossy understory, forest edges, and areas along streams, often with thickets of Chusquea bamboo. The species also uses second-growth montane woodland and shaded trails where leaf litter accumulates. It typically remains near the ground or in low shrubs while foraging.
Altitude Range
1350–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small thrush is confined to the high-elevation cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, where it often forages along shaded trails and stream edges. Its all-dark bill is a key field mark among nightingale-thrushes. Vocalizations are clear, fluty phrases reminiscent of the Hermit Thrush, to which it is thought to be closely related. It can be surprisingly tame in well-traveled montane forests.
Temperament
skulking but relatively approachable
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a cup nest low in shrubs or banks, often near water or along trails. Both parents are believed to participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, fluty phrases with mellow, ethereal quality, carrying well in damp montane forests. Calls include soft, metallic chips and thin tsip notes given from dense cover.
