The slaty flowerpiercer is a passerine bird endemic to the Talamancan montane forests.
Region
Talamancan montane forests
Typical Environment
Occurs in high-elevation cloud forests and elfin forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. It favors forest edges, second growth, and shrubby clearings where flowering plants are abundant. The species also visits highland gardens and roadsides with ornamental flowers. Dense, epiphyte-rich vegetation and gaps with nectar sources are typical microhabitats.
Altitude Range
1500–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This tiny tanager uses a short, hooked bill to pierce the base of flowers and sip nectar, often without pollinating them. It also gleans small insects, especially around flowering shrubs. The species is active and agile, frequently joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges and clearings. Males are uniformly slaty-gray, while females are warmer brown with buffy underparts.
Temperament
active and territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent darting; hovers briefly at flowers
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks along edges. Defends rich flowering shrubs but ranges widely in search of nectar. Builds a small cup nest in dense shrubbery; breeding behavior is typical of highland tanagers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched twittering warble interspersed with sharp tsee notes. Calls are quick, metallic chips used during foraging and territorial chases.
Plumage
Male is uniform slaty-gray with darker face; female is olive-brown above with buffy to cinnamon-tinged underparts. Both sexes lack wing bars and show clean, plain plumage. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a sleek appearance.
Diet
Takes nectar by piercing the base of tubular flowers, including ericads, fuchsias, and other highland blossoms. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and flower clusters. Occasionally consumes small fruits or pollen while foraging.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at forest edges, clearings, and shrubby second growth with abundant flowering plants. Also frequents highland gardens and roadside hedges at elevation. Often forages at mid-level to canopy height but will descend to eye level at dense shrubs.
