Cocos Tyrannulet
Nesotriccus ridgwayi
Small and drab flycatcher found only on Cocos Island, which is located in the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles southwest of mainland Costa Rica. Most birds are brown above with a buffy belly, with tan wingbars and a pale eyebrow. Some individuals have a brighter yellow belly or an olive-tinged back. Inhabits humid forest as well as scrubby and swampy areas, often in dense vegetation. Typical song is a short, descending sputter.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Nesotriccus ridgwayi
- Authority
- Townsend, CH, 1895
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Nesotriccus
Range and habitat
It is endemic to Cocos Island off Costa Rica. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical swamps, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
It is thought to be threatened by introduced species, particularly rats and feral cats, which prey on the species, and pigs which destroy habitat through foraging. There is no evidence yet of a decline, but is listed as Vulnerable due to its tiny range.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Manus Cuckooshrike
Coracina ingens
A fairly large gray bird with a heavy bill, a prominent black blotch between bill and eye, and a white underside. Found singly or in pairs in forest edges and open environments with trees, avoiding dense forest. The smaller Manus Cicadabird is the only other cuckooshrike in its limited range on the Admiralty Islands; the cuckooshrike can be distinguished from the cicadabird by its white belly. Gives “kitcheek” or “sh-zick” calls.
Middle American Leaftosser
Sclerurus mexicanus
Dark, rusty-brown bird of shady forest floors in humid evergreen forest of tropical foothills and highlands; often near gullies and streambeds, where digs its nest burrow into earth banks. Feeds by tossing leaves on the forest floor. Mostly seen as it flushes, when it flies off with loud “skweek” calls. Note the long slender bill, rich rusty throat and breast, and dark rusty rump. Listen for descending series of squeaky whistles. Occurs from Mexico to Panama.
Cayenne Jay
Cyanocorax cayanus
Large jay of humid forest and edges including savanna and premontane forest in the tepui region. Combination of size and black-and-white plumage unlike any other species in range. Moves through forest in noisy groups but can be hard to see well. Sometimes accompanies foraging flocks of oropendolas and caciques, feeding on flowers and fruit. Calls include a variety of whistles and grunts.
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