The long-tailed silky-flycatcher is a passerine bird that occurs only in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama, usually from 1,850 m altitude to the timberline. It is a thrush-sized species, weighing about 37 g. The silky-flycatchers are related to waxwings, and like that group, they have soft silky plumage.
Region
Central American highlands
Typical Environment
Found in the highland cloud forests and oak–bamboo mosaics of Costa Rica and western Panama. It favors forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth with abundant fruiting trees and shrubs. Birds often perch conspicuously on high branches to sally for insects and to scan for berries. They also use gardens and pastures near forest where suitable fruit is available.
Altitude Range
1850–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Related to waxwings, the long-tailed silky-flycatcher has exceptionally soft, silky plumage. Males sport very long tail streamers and a small crest, which they display during courtship. It is a key disperser of montane forest fruits, frequently visiting berry-laden trees. The species is resident in high-elevation cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with graceful sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the non-breeding season. Nests are neat open cups of moss and lichens placed on high horizontal limbs. Both parents participate in feeding the young. Courtship includes tail and crest displays by the male.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high, sibilant notes and soft trills, often given from exposed perches. The song is a delicate series of high-pitched whistles and twitters, carrying surprisingly well in montane air.
Plumage
Silky, smooth plumage with a gray to bluish-gray head and upperparts contrasting with bright yellow underparts; tail is long and graduated, especially in males. Wings are dusky with paler edging and the tail shows contrasting pale edges. A small pointed crest is often evident.
Diet
Primarily eats small fruits and berries, including those of mistletoes and other montane shrubs and trees. Supplements its diet with flying insects, which it catches by sallying from perches. Also gleans arthropods from foliage when fruit is scarce. Its fruit consumption makes it an effective seed disperser within cloud forests.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, canopy gaps, and fruiting trees in montane cloud forest and adjacent secondary growth. Frequently visits isolated fruiting shrubs in pastures and gardens near forest.
