Facts About Stub-tailed spadebill
The stub-tailed spadebill is a delightful small bird from the Tyrannidae family. It inhabits several countries in Central America, including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. These birds frequent subtropical or tropical dry forests as well as moist lowland forests.
In their natural environment, stub-tailed spadebills prefer the lower levels of dense evergreen forests. They are often found in dry forest regions and gallery woodlands. Typically seen alone or in pairs, they do not shy away from mingling with other bird species, particularly while foraging for insects.
The stub-tailed spadebill ranges geographically from southeastern Mexico to Nicaragua and western Costa Rica, with recent sightings extending into northwestern Panama. These birds are diminutive, with males measuring about 9-9.5 cm in length and weighing between 9.5-12 grams. They have distinctive pale yellow chests, brown backs, and curved postocular stripes. Their call is uniquely characterized by a swift, jittery "ki-di-di-di-rrril" sound.
In terms of diet, stub-tailed spadebills are not especially selective. They consume various insects, including bugs, ants, beetles, spiders, and even fruits. During the breeding season in Costa Rica, they gather grasses, strips of leaves, and other materials to construct cone-shaped nests.