Three-banded Warbler

Very small bird of humid tropical forest and edge. Favors vine tangles at mid-upper levels, where moves actively, holding its tail cocked and flopping it from side to side. Appearance is distinctive, with buffy face, very long thin bill, and fairly long tail with white tips. Similar to Chattering Gnatwren but lacks the extra white spots on outer tail feathers. Easily overlooked, but rising and falling trilled song reveals its presence.

Understory antbird of wet, forested habitats. Males are evenly gray; females are warm brown. Both sexes have tiny white wing spots and light gray eyes. Part of the species complex previously known as “Spot-winged Antbird;” it is similar to the previously conspecific Brownish-headed Antbird, which is separated by range and habitat. Humaita Antbird is found away from the foothills, in the Amazonian lowlands, while Brownish-headed is found in the understory of mature rainforest along the base of the Andes. In parts of its range, it is found nearly exclusively in palm swamps. Its song is a slowly-rising series of rapid high notes.

This restricted species is found only along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, most often in or near mangrove trees. Medium-sized hummingbird. Male has a glittering blue-green head and throat contrasting with a whitish belly. The base of the bill is red. Female is greenish above with mostly white underparts; note her dark forked tail.