The black-cheeked warbler is a New World warbler, resident breeding bird endemic to the Talamancan montane forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Region
Talamancan Montane Forests (Costa Rica and western Panama)
Typical Environment
Found in wet, moss-laden montane and cloud forests, especially where dense Chusquea bamboo forms thick understory. It keeps close to the ground or low shrubs, moving through shaded ravines, forest edges, and along streams. The species tolerates lightly disturbed forest but depends on intact, humid highland habitat. Elfin forest near treeline can also be used where cover is dense. Often forages within a few meters of the ground, using tangles and bamboo clumps for concealment.
Altitude Range
2100–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This highland warbler is restricted to the Talamanca Range of Costa Rica and western Panama, where it skulks in dense, mossy understory and bamboo thickets. Its name comes from the bold black cheek patch that contrasts with a crisp white eyebrow. Pairs often maintain territories year‑round and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Temperament
skulking yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining small territories year-round. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low, in banks, roots, or dense vegetation; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high, thin, slightly buzzy notes delivered in quick succession, often rising and then trailing off. Calls are sharp chips and thin seets that carry in the quiet of cloud forest understory.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with grayish underparts and buffy flanks; face shows a bold white supercilium over a striking black cheek patch. Crown usually bears a rufous central stripe bordered by darker lateral stripes. Throat is pale to whitish, contrasting with the dark face. Overall appearance is crisp-faced with subdued body tones suited to shadowy understory.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bamboo culms. It picks prey from the undersides of foliage and probes tangles and moss. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch disturbed prey. Foraging is methodical and close to cover to avoid exposure.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of wet montane forest, especially Chusquea bamboo thickets and mossy tangles. Common along shaded streams, forest edges with thick cover, and in elfin forest where vegetation is low and compact.
