Golden-crowned Spadebill

The golden-crowned spadebill, with its scientific name Platyrinchus coronatus, is a diminutive and rather enchanting member of the Tyrannidae family. This bird is adorned with a subtle yet distinguished golden crown that graces its head, a feature that has no doubt contributed to its name.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the golden-crowned spadebill, one should look for its characteristic small size and the distinctive golden patch atop its head. Its overall plumage is less conspicuous, blending with the forest's palette, but that crown is a telltale sign you've spotted this particular species.

Habitat

The natural abode of the golden-crowned spadebill is the subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Here, amidst the dense foliage and high humidity, it thrives, flitting through the understory with a certain grace.

Distribution

This bird has a wide range, being found across various countries in Latin America. Its presence has been recorded in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Behaviour

The golden-crowned spadebill is a creature of the forest, and its behavior is adapted to the complexities of this environment. It is not one to bask in the open but rather prefers the seclusion offered by the dense vegetation of its habitat.

Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the golden-crowned spadebill is classified as Least Concern. This status indicates that, for now, the species is not at immediate risk of decline, allowing us to take a momentary sigh of relief for its future.