The flame-throated warbler is a small New World warbler. It is sometimes placed in the genera Vermivora and Parula.
Region
Talamanca Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially in oak-dominated cloud forests rich in epiphytes. It favors forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and mature secondary growth where moss and bromeliads are abundant. Birds often move through the canopy and midstory, occasionally descending to lower levels along ravines. The species is generally resident year-round within this montane zone.
Altitude Range
1800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A highland New World warbler, the flame-throated warbler is best known for its vivid orange-red throat set against cool gray plumage. It often forages in mixed-species flocks in moss-laden oak forests. Nests are typically placed in dense epiphytes and moss clumps, well hidden high in the canopy. The species is non-migratory and locally common within its limited range.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. During breeding it is territorial and nests in dense epiphytes or mossy clumps high in trees. Both adults attend the nest and feed nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, sibilant series of high notes that may accelerate into a short trill, often delivered from the canopy. Calls are sharp, high tseet or tssi notes that cut through the soundscape of cloud forests.
Plumage
Smooth gray upperparts and head with contrasting fiery orange-red throat and upper chest, fading to whitish underparts. Two fine white wingbars and a clean, crisp look typical of parula-like warblers. Dark loral area and face contrast subtly with the gray hood.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods, gleaned from moss, lichens, and foliage. It probes epiphytes and leaf clusters for caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. Occasional aerial sallies are made to snatch flying insects. It may rarely take small berries when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the canopy and midstory of mossy oak cloud forests and along forest edges. It favors branches laden with bromeliads and other epiphytes where prey is abundant.
