Introducing the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, a truly remarkable bird with its exceptionally long and silky tail, accompanied by a prominent crest and striking color combination. This combination makes it a truly unique and captivating avian species.

The Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher (Ptiliogonys caudatus) measures approximately 24 cm in length and boasts a pale grey forehead. This thrush-sized bird weighs around 37 grams. Its distinct features include a crested head, neck, throat, and lower belly in a vibrant yellow hue. The back, lower breast, and upper belly display a beautiful bluish-grey color, while the flight feathers and long pointed tail are strikingly black. Adding to its charm, the outer tail feathers are adorned with white spots.

Photo courtesy of Chris Jimenez/CC BY-SA 2.0.

Acknowledging the photo courtesy of Melissa McMasters/CC BY 2.0,

The female Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher (Ptiliogonys caudatus) appears smaller than the male, measuring about 21 cm in length. She exhibits a generally more subdued appearance compared to her male counterpart. Her forehead is darker grey, and her body plumage takes on an olive hue. Additionally, her tail is shorter and slightly less intense in black coloration than that of the male.

Juvenile Long-tailed Silky-Flycatchers bear a resemblance to their adult counterparts, but there are notable differences. Their central tail feathers are shorter than those of the adults, and the white spotting on the outer tail is not as pronounced or distinct. Despite these distinctions, the general characteristics and features of the juvenile birds are similar to those of the adult Long-tailed Silky-Flycatchers.

With the photo courtesy of gailhampshire/CC BY 2.0, the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatchers (Ptiliogonys caudatus) inhabit exclusively the mountainous regions of Costa Rica and western Panama. They are typically found at altitudes ranging from 1,850 meters up to the timberline. These birds have adapted to thrive in the unique high-altitude environments of these regions, adding to their allure and rarity.

Indeed, the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher is commonly observed in mountain forests, secondary forests, and pastures that are bordered by wooded ravines. These diverse habitats provide them with suitable environments for foraging, nesting, and finding shelter. Their presence in such varied landscapes showcases their adaptability and ability to inhabit different ecological niches within their native mountainous regions.

When not breeding, the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatchers engage in foraging behavior in small flocks. They have a distinctive way of feeding known as "sallying," where they fly out from perches to catch insects mid-air or consume small fruits, with a particular preference for mistletoe berries. This feeding strategy allows them to efficiently gather food while navigating through their mountainous habitats in search of sustenance.

During the breeding season, which spans from April to June, the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatchers may nest either solitarily or in small groups of up to five pairs. Their nest-building process involves creating a bulky, open cup-shaped nest primarily made from lichen. To strengthen the structure, they incorporate caterpillar silk or spider webs into the plant materials. These nests are typically constructed in the forks of trees or on top of the main stem of tall trees or shrubs, hidden amongst dense foliage. 

Both the male and female birds actively participate in nest-building. However, during this period, the male takes on the role of providing food for the female. Once the nest is ready, the female lays around two eggs and takes up the responsibility of incubating them for approximately 16 to 17 days, with continued support from her mate who continues to feed her.

Despite being referred to as "common," the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher faces significant challenges as its small population is suspected to be declining. The main reason behind this decline is the destruction of its habitat due to activities such as burning, logging, and agricultural expansion. These human-induced factors have led to a reduction in suitable habitats for the bird, impacting its ability to find nesting sites, forage for food, and raise its young. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher and ensure the preservation of its unique and captivating presence in the mountainous regions of Costa Rica and western Panama.