Black-thighed Grosbeak

The Black-thighed Grosbeak, Pheucticus tibialis, presents itself as a robust seed-eater, a member of the Cardinalidae family. This bird is a proud endemic resident of the mountainous regions of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Identification Tips

Adults measure a notable 20 cm in length and tip the scales at approximately 70 g. They boast a substantial grey bill. Males are distinguished by their vibrant yellow head, rump, and underparts, contrasted with an olive-edged black back, and black wings, thighs, and tail, accented by a striking white patch on the flight feathers. Females are somewhat more subdued, with paler tones and a greater infusion of olive on the back, accompanied by a less conspicuous white wing patch. The immature birds are duller, tinged with olive, and exhibit streaking and mottling on their body plumage.

Habitat

The Black-thighed Grosbeak favors the canopy, woodland edges, and semi-open habitats, such as pastures dotted with trees, from altitudes of about 1,000 m on the Pacific slope and 1,500 m on the Caribbean slope, ascending to 2,600 m.

Distribution

This species is confined to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, where it is a symbol of the region's rich avian diversity.

Behaviour

The Black-thighed Grosbeak is known to forage in shrubs or trees, displaying a preference for insects, seeds, and berries.

Song & Calls

Listeners are treated to a sharp "pink" call, while the bird's song is a delightful and musical stream of warbles, whistles, trills, and slurs.

Breeding

Breeding season sees the construction of a thin cup nest on a bulky twig base, positioned 1–3 m up in a small tree or amongst vines. The female lays two brown-spotted pale blue eggs between March and May, heralding the continuation of the species.

Conservation status

The Black-thighed Grosbeak is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population within its limited range.