Long-tailed silky-flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long-tailed silky-flycatcher |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Ptiliogonys
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| Species: |
caudatus
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The long-tailed silky-flycatcher (Ptiliogonys caudatus) is a beautiful passerine bird found only in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. These birds usually live at high altitudes, from about 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) up to the tree line. They are about the size of a thrush and weigh around 37 grams (1.3 ounces). Silky-flycatchers are related to waxwings, and just like them, they have very soft, silky feathers.
Contents
About the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher
Where They Live
These special birds make their homes in mountain forests. They often build their nests in loose groups, almost like small neighborhoods. You can find their nests, which look like neat cups made of lichen, high up in trees. They are usually placed between 2 to 18 meters (6.5 to 59 feet) above the ground.
Reproduction and Family Life
When it's time to lay eggs, the female long-tailed silky-flycatcher lays two grey eggs. These eggs have unique brown and lilac blotches on them. Both the male and female birds take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. This process is called incubation.
After the eggs hatch, the baby birds stay in the nest for about 18 to 25 days. During this time, both parents work together to feed their young. This ensures the chicks grow strong and healthy before they are ready to fly out of the nest.
What They Look Like
The male long-tailed silky-flycatcher is about 24 centimeters (9.4 inches) long. He has a light grey forehead. The rest of his head, which has a crest, along with his neck, throat, and lower belly, are bright yellow. His back, lower chest, and upper belly are a pretty blue-grey color. His flight feathers and long, pointed tail are black. The outer feathers of his tail have cool white spots.
The female is a bit smaller, measuring about 21 centimeters (8.3 inches) long. She is generally not as brightly colored as the male. Her forehead is a darker grey, and her body feathers have an olive tint. Her tail is shorter and a duller black compared to the male's. Young birds look similar to the adults. However, their central tail feathers are shorter, and the white spots on their outer tail feathers are not as clear.
What They Eat
When long-tailed silky-flycatchers are not busy raising their young, they often fly around in small groups. They catch insects right out of the air. They also enjoy eating small fruits, especially those from mistletoe plants. These birds like to sit on high, open branches, making them easy to spot.
Their Call
The long-tailed silky-flycatcher has a distinct call. It sounds like a repeated chee-chip.
Gallery
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Long-tailed silky-flycatcher in Costa Rica
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Illustration by Joseph Smit (1869)
See also
In Spanish: Ptiliogonys caudatus para niños
