Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher

Ptiliogonys caudatus  

eBird gives this description for the Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher:  triking bird unlikely to be confused with any other species. Very long tail and obvious crest stand out, in addition to soft blue-gray body with yellow-green head and flanks. Sometimes seen singly, but can also gather in flocks when fruiting trees (especially mistletoe) are abundant. Found in montane forest and edges.

The Birds of the World website introduces this bird with this descriptive information:  The Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher (Ptilogonys caudatus) is a blue-gray and yellow thrush-sized bird of high-elevations forests in Costa Rica and Panama. Occurring mostly above 6,000 feet, this species forages in small flocks, often landing on high perches or berry-producing trees. Long-tailed Silky-flycatchers are omnivorous, commonly eating insects and small fruits. Although its range is limited to Central American highlands, this species is fairly common in the mountains where it lives.

I met my first Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher on the morning of February 8, 2023, at Casa Monge Lodge in Savegre Valley, Costa Rica.  I was walking back to our vehicle after watching a Resplendent Quetzal when I spotted this bird near the road.