Basileuterus melanogenys
The Black-cheeked Warbler (Basileuterus melanogenys) is a captivating resident of Central America's high-elevation cloud forests, instantly recognizable by its striking facial pattern. Measuring approximately 12-12.5 cm (4.7-4.9 inches) in length and weighing around 10-12 grams, this small passerine boasts olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts. Its most distinctive features are the prominent black cheeks, offset by a brilliant white supercilium (eyebrow) extending well behind th...
Found exclusively in high-elevation humid evergreen forests, montane cloud forests, and associated forest borders, typically above 1,800 meters (6,000 ft) up to 3,000 meters (10,000 ft).
Feeds primarily on small insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies, as well as spiders, which it gleans from foliage and branches.
This warbler is a highly active, diurnal species, constantly on the move. It primarily forages by gleaning insects and spiders from the foliage and branches, predominantly in the mid-story and subcanopy, but occasionally descends lower or ascends to the canopy, sometimes hovering briefly. Outside...
The Black-cheeked Warbler is an endemic resident of the Talamanca Cordillera, a mountain range spanning Costa Rica and western Panama. Its distribution is highly restricted to high-elevation humid evergreen and cloud forests, typically found at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 meters (6,000-10,...
Least Concern
- The Black-cheeked Warbler is named for its incredibly distinctive facial pattern, which makes it stand out even among the diverse warbler family. - It is one of the highest-elevation warblers in its range, strictly preferring the cool, misty cloud forests of Central America. - This species is a...