Middle American Leaftosser

How to find it

Learn the falling whistled song before you go, because the species is usually found when heard or flushed. Concentrate on humid forest near ravines and streams. A flushed bird tends to land close by on a low perch, which can give a brief view. Waiting at bathing pools is a reliable way to get a look, as birders have seen this shy leaftosser splash and preen on rocks and branches there. One bathed in a stream in the late afternoon gloom, so the last light of day is worth your time and a flashlight is handy.

How to recognise it

This is a small, plain dark brown bird about 15 to 17 cm long. Its throat, breast and rump are rusty orange, which stands out against the brown body.

In Costa Rica the rufous throat and upper breast fade into a dark brown belly. The bill is long, slim and slightly curved, which suits a bird that works through leaf litter.

Young birds are duller than adults and show pale streaks on the breast feathers.

The Costa Rican form is described as generally darker and less reddish than the northern form, with a paler throat and a strong reddish rump. Watch the rump when the bird hops away from you.

Behaviour and diet

It is usually alone or in pairs and does not join mixed flocks. It hops along the ground and is reluctant to fly unless forced.

It forages by flipping leaves on the forest floor, eating insects and other small invertebrates from the leaf litter. When clinging to rotting trunks it uses its tail as a prop.

Pairs are territorial, with territories of about 25 hectares. The species is uncommon in many areas despite its wide range.

Where it lives

In Costa Rica it lives on the ground in humid forest, often near ravines and streams, and it is found in the foothills and highlands.

Across its whole range it prefers elevations of about 700 to 2200 m, and it uses lowland, foothill and mountain wet forest. Within its broad range it is patchy.

When to see it

Breeding in Costa Rica runs from December to April. The nest is a burrow in an earth bank, with a small cup of twigs inside and two white eggs.

Similar birds

Costa Rica has two other leaftossers, the Scaly-throated and the Grey-throated. This is the one with the rusty throat. Tour reports note a Scaly-throated at Carara and a Grey-throated at Monteverde, so the other two may turn up in different places.

Names and lore in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica the bird is called Tirahojas Pechirrufo. Other Spanish names listed for the species elsewhere include Tirahojas Mexicano, Hojarasquero Gorgirrufo (Mexico) and Raspahojas de Garganta Rufa.

Status and conservation

It is a resident (R) on the AOCR list, and the IUCN lists it as Least Concern.

Photography tips

A flushed bird tends to land close by on a low perch, which can give a brief view. Bathing pools offer the best chance of a longer look, and in late afternoon gloom the light is low, so be ready for it.