The vibrant orange throat is the striking feature that catches the eye as he emerges from the foliage.
The flame-throated warbler (Oreothlypis gutturalis) measures approximately 12 cm in length and weighs about 10 grams. Its upper body displays shades of grey, with black plumage on the back, lores, and lower ear coverts. The underparts, chin, throat, and breast exhibit a vibrant orange hue, resembling almost a vermillion shade. This distinct patch of color is surrounded by a dark band, creating a striking contrast against the bird’s lighter grey to white underparts. The bill appears unadorned, while its eyes are dark brown, and its legs and feet range from pink to grey in color.
Males and females look almost identical, however, the female is duller in appearance, and the male’s black mask is more extensive. Juvenile birds are browner above and double below. They also have a weak black stripe and similar colored wing bars.
This bird is a resident breeder restricted to the mountains of Costa Rica and Western Panama.
Flame-throated warblers like to live up in the canopy, around woodland edges, and clearings with trees typically from 2100 meters up to the timberline.
This bird likes to feed on insects such as caterpillars, spiders, and centipedes. It feeds by picking insects from the foliage with its sharply pointed bill.
The nesting habits of this species are not well-known, however, up to 2 white eggs are laid in a cup-shaped nest in a sheltered position using epiphytes and or moss. This nest is either built in a tree or on a low bank between March and May.
This species is regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
