The Costa Rica National Bird.
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Turdidae
Common Name: Clay-colored Thrush
Scientific Name:Turdus grayi
Characteristics.
Drab, uniformly brown thrush with slightly warmer belly. Dull yellowish bill and very faint streaks on the throat. Very common and widespread throughout Central America; limited U.S. range. Found in a variety of shrubby wooded habitats, towns, and parks. Unique color and blandness makes this rarity unlikely to be confused with other species. Tends to stay on the ground or in low vegetation, either singly or in pairs. Song is a varied series of phrases similar to a mockingbird.
It is one of the most common birds in the country and found throughout nearly every region. The clay-colored thrush’s mating season is typically from April-June, also the start of the rainy season, when its unmistakable song alerts farmers to the beginning of the coming rains.
In January 1977 the clay-colored thrush was designated as Costa Rica’s bird, under the government of Mr. Daniel Oduber Quiros. It was chosen in large part for its gorgeous song, which represents the arrival of the green seasons.
The Yigüirro (Common name) stands about 23 centimeters tall – that’s about twice as long as me – and weighs around 74 grams. Unlike many other species of birds, both sexes of the clay-colored thrush exhibit the same colors. They have a cream-colored stomach, yellow-brown wings and a yellowish bill. Instead of walking, these birds hop.
The Yigüirro was picked as the national bird for a number of reasons. First, it tends to live next to humans, staying close to houses and settlements, which has made it well-known among Ticos in both rural and suburban environments. Because of this close relationship, the bird has been mentioned in many of Costa Rican’s folk songs, poems, novels and short stories. But, as it was said before, the clay-colored thrush also has a melody of its own.
The males are embraced for their enchanting song. During mating season they serenade prospective mates with a flattering tune that even I can’t help but sing along to. The song is low-pitched and has a steady tempo, consisting of slurred musical phrases that are repeated.
