OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK, GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA

   We can ID this flycatcher as an Olive-sided Flycatcher as follows:

• Throat, belly and center underneath are white or pale yellow in contrast with the gray sides, which gives a vested appearance.  Sometimes the breast may be streaked.
• Relatively short dark tail, which is slightly notched.
• Head has slight crest.
• Faint white eye-ring.
• Perches on top or near top of trees or snags.
• Lower mandible can vary from all black to mostly orange, as in thr lower mandible of this flycatcher.

   One of the interesting aspects of flycatchers are the bristles at the base of their upper mandibles.  These are feathers modified into simple bristles.  The bristles function as insect nets and tactile sensors.

   The Olive-sided Flycatcher is a new species to our Life List, which now stands at 291.