Black-and-yellow Phainoptila

The black-and-yellow phainoptila, also known as the black-and-yellow silky-flycatcher, is a small and plump avian species with a striking coloration that sets it apart in its mountainous realm. The male of the species boasts a glossy black back, head, and tail, complemented by vivid yellow flanks and rump, an olive breast, and a grey belly. The female, meanwhile, presents with a black cap and an assemblage of olive on the breast, rump, wings, and tail, with her flanks also bathed in yellow and a grey throat, nape, and belly. The juveniles resemble the adult females but are somewhat more subdued in color and lack the grey on the nape, with dusky streaks adorning their breast.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify this species, look for the distinctive yellow flanks and the contrast between the black and olive plumage. The males are particularly striking with their black and yellow coloration, while females and young birds are more olive with less pronounced yellow.

Habitat

The black-and-yellow phainoptila is a denizen of highland forests, favoring the lush, verdant expanses from 1800 meters to the timberline. They are also known to inhabit adjacent second growth and gardens, particularly in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, where it can be observed flitting about in its preferred montane forest habitat.

Behaviour

The black-and-yellow phainoptila is a rather sedentary bird, often found indulging in the berries of a single tree for extended periods. It may join flocks of sooty-capped bush tanagers but typically falls behind due to its sluggish nature. While primarily frugivorous, it occasionally captures insects from foliage or in flight. Observations are usually of solitary individuals or pairs, though they may form loose flocks post-breeding season.

Song & calls

The call of this species is a high, sharp, thin "tsit" or "tseep," which belies its size, suggesting a much smaller bird. It is noted that the black-and-yellow phainoptila does not typically sing.

Breeding

Breeding season sees the construction of a compact and bulky nest, artfully crafted from green moss, thin stems, and fern fronds, positioned 5 to 13 feet above ground in a dense shrub or sapling. The female lays a clutch of 2 spotted, greyish-white eggs, with nesting activities occurring from April to May.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the black-and-yellow phainoptila is mainly composed of berries from trees, epiphytes, and shrubs. Its feeding behavior is characterized by long periods of stationary foraging within a single tree.

Conservation status

The black-and-yellow phainoptila is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.