Sapayoa

The sapayoa, or broad-billed sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma), is a small, enigmatic bird with a general olive hue. It measures between 13.5 to 15 cm in length and weighs approximately 21 grams. The bird's plumage is olive with a dusky touch on the wings and tail, while the throat and belly exhibit a yellower olive shade. A distinctive feature is its wide, black bill adorned with rictal bristles. The sapayoa's eyes are a dull reddish-brown, and its legs are a muted gray. Notably, males boast a yellow stripe atop their crowns.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the sapayoa, look for its olive-toned plumage, wide black bill with surrounding rictal bristles, and the male's yellow crown stripe. Its size is comparable to that of a sparrow, and its overall coloration allows it to blend seamlessly into the forest understory.

Habitat

The sapayoa is a denizen of humid forests, where it frequents the understory to mid-level vegetation. It has a particular affinity for ravines and areas adjacent to watercourses, which provide it with the necessary conditions for its secretive lifestyle.

Distribution

This bird's range extends from the Panama Canal Zone, through western Colombia, and into the far northwestern reaches of Ecuador. It is known to inhabit elevations up to 1,200 meters in Colombia and 500 meters in Ecuador.

Behaviour

The sapayoa is a sedentary bird, presumed to be a year-round resident within its range. It is often observed joining mixed-species feeding flocks, a behavior that may offer safety in numbers and increased foraging efficiency.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the sapayoa is not extensively documented. However, it is known to produce a soft trill and a slightly louder series of 'chipp, ch-ch-ch' calls.

Breeding

Breeding activities for the sapayoa have been recorded from March to September in Panama and from February to April in Colombia. Its unique pear-shaped nest, crafted from long strips of bark and other fibers, features a side entrance and is typically suspended above a stream. Both parents are involved in feeding the nestlings, with observations of an adult male and two immature males assisting a female with brood care.

Diet and Feeding

The sapayoa's diet consists of insects, which it catches in flight or plucks from foliage during its foraging sallies. It also supplements its diet with small fruits.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the sapayoa as Least Concern. While the exact population size is unknown and suspected to be decreasing, there are currently no immediate threats that have been identified for this species. It is considered rare to uncommon and possibly localized in its distribution.