The buffy tuftedcheek or Lawrence's tuftedcheek, is a passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in highland forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially along the Talamanca and adjacent ranges. It favors mature montane cloud forests with heavy moss, bromeliads, and other epiphytes, but also uses edges and older secondary forest. Most activity is in the mid to upper canopy where it methodically probes bark and epiphyte mats. It is typically local but can be fairly common where intact habitat persists.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Lawrence's tuftedcheek, this ovenbird is named for the distinctive buffy feather tufts on the sides of its face. It specializes in probing epiphyte-laden branches in cloud forests for hidden arthropods. Often joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through mossy mid- and upper-canopy layers. Pairs defend territories year-round and are more often heard or glimpsed than seen clearly.
Temperament
quiet and methodical, often shy within dense foliage
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between branches; rarely undertakes long flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs and commonly associates with mixed-species flocks. Pairs maintain territories year-round in suitable forest. Nests are placed in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, lined with moss and plant fibers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, slightly descending series of clear whistles or thin notes delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes given while foraging in flocks.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown upperparts with fine dusky streaking on the head and nape, buffy face with elongated tufted ear-coverts, and rich rufous tail. Underparts are buffy to cinnamon with subtle darker streaking on the breast. The overall effect is a mossy, earth-toned bird well camouflaged in epiphyte-laden forests.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, larvae, ants, spiders, and other insects gleaned from bark, moss, and bromeliads. It probes deeply into epiphyte mats and crevices to extract hidden prey. Occasionally takes other small invertebrates and may rarely sample small fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper strata of humid montane forests rich in mosses and bromeliads. Often works along larger mossy limbs and trunks, especially in areas with abundant epiphytes. Regularly accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest edges and interior.
