You can find many different varieties of unique species in Costa Rica, a small country in Central America. Yes, you can find a diverse ecosystem, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. More than 900 different species of bird have made their home here and despite the moderate size area, Costa Rica has the highest concentration of species in the world.
So, let’s learn what types of birds can be found in this region year after year.
Costa Rica – Overview of the Bird Watcher’s Paradise
Costa Rica is a great opportunity for enthusiasts who deal with birds. Here you can find colorful toucans, macaqua, hummingbirds, warblers and many more unique creatures. It is also known to be a paradise for conservationists due to the variety of birds found here. It is the country’s unique biodiversity and anybody interested in observing or studying these incredible creatures can book their next destination here.
Based on statistics almost 5% of the bird species across the world are found here. This place also has to maintain an essential ecological balance and health of the forest as the birds serve as pollinator seed dispersal indicators of environmental quality and also insect collectors.
Why is Costa Rica Popular?
Costa Rica is an indication of a healthy ecosystem and if there is any trouble or disappearance, then there must be habitat loss, pollution or anthropogenic disturbance. According to ornithologists or bird watchers, it is important to preserve the rich avian life of Costa Rica as it is a natural heritage on the planet.
This place has also gained significant popularity where travelers are made aware of environment-friendly practices and they get to witness rare and exotic birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them. This also creates awareness among travelers about the importance of nature and has also supported generally sustainable livelihood for the local community through eco-tourism.
Factors that Make Costa Rica Rich in Biodiversity
Factors that have contributed to the diverse bird life found in Costa Rica such as its location which is at the crossroads of North and South America. It has varied topography and also favorable climatic conditions.
Costa Rica is multifaceted, it has different types of geographical locations, formations, climatic conditions, habitat diversity and vegetation types, which allows a unique mixture of bird species to stay here.
The country has both wet and dry seasons which supports breeding of the birds and migration. Its varied vegetation type provides food and shelter to different varieties of bird species. Also, land use practices and conservation efforts have contributed towards maintaining the avian diversity in Costa Rica.
Importance of Bird Watching in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an international destination for all birdwatchers as it has a diverse range of habitats which includes cloud forests, rain forests, and forests with coastal areas, housing 900 different species of birds. This place has a high concentration of endemic species which are not found anywhere else on the earth. Also, many unique species can only be found in this region, such as Scarlet Macaw and more
The income generated through tourism encourages local communities to preserve the natural environment and also prevent deforestation and poaching. There are local authorities who are also taking action to detect and work against any change or threat that can arise with time. The most interesting aspect of Costa Rica is its ability to preserve the habitat and also provide access to visitors who wish to watch the birds.
Top Bird-Watching Hotspot in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is rich in diverse avian population so it’s a Paradise for bird watchers there are 5 major birds watching hotspots where more than 400 types of birds can be found such as – Corcovado National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Carara National Park, and Palo Verde National Park.
There are many bird-watching tours and guides that are available to help visitors navigate through the dense forest. Here one can spot Toucans, Macaw, parrots, Scarlet Macaw, harpy eagle and many other unique variances. The bird-watching tour guides can take the visitors to the best location and they also have knowledge of identifying and understanding the different bird species that live here.
Types of Birds Found in Costa Rica
Costa Rica houses a diverse range of birds ranging from 850 to 900 species. It is located in North and South America crossroads making it a vital stop for migratory birds as well. The place has the right topography ranging from coastal lowlands to high mountain ranges so it can support different bird species. You can find raptors such as hawks and eagles there, also numerous colorful ones such as parrots, macaques and also certain species which are unique in Costa Rica. The biodiversity of this area is not just associated with quantity but also quality.
10 Most Unique Birds in Costa Rica
Here’s a list of the 10 must-see birds in Costa Rica:
Resplendent Quetzal
It is a vibrant green and red coloured bird that is seen in the cloud forest and in many cultures it is considered to be a symbol of freedom and divine power. These have long and streaming tail feathers of 3 feet in length and their primary diet includes fruits, insects, small animals, etc. They are found to live in the hollows of the trees or natural cavities.
Scarlet Macaw
These birds also have bright and vibrant plumage and have a strong cultural significance. They are known for their beauty and attractiveness. You can identify them based on their bright red, yellow and blue feathers. However, these birds have become near-threatened species due to habitat loss and poaching.
Keel-billed Toucan
This bird also has vibrant color and is a unique symbol of Avian biodiversity. These are commonly sighted in the forest and they have a distinct beak which is long and colorful. The unique characteristic of the bird is vocalization which ranges from soft calls to loud quacks.
Fiery-throated Hummingbird
These birds have green and blue plumage with red vibrant throats and are among the endemic species. They are found only in the high altitude of Costa Rica and can be identified by their specialized beak, which is used to drink nectar from flowers and contribute to the rare biodiversity of this area.
Montezuma Oropendola
This bird is characterized by yellow-tailed feathers and has a distinct loud call. They make a pendulous nest and live in large colonies. They mainly depend on fruits and insects for their food and the males are seen to weave grass and vines to create the structure of the nest.
White-throated Magpie-Jay
This bird stands out in its appearance with its blue body and white throat and is considered to be a member of the crow family. They are very social and found in groups of at least 20 birds. Their main diet consists of fruit, insects, and small animals and they have a unique appearance and social behavior.
Snowcap Hummingbird
These hummingbirds have shimmering green and purple feathers and measure 3 inches in length. They are quite commonly sighted in this region and found in the range of cloud forests to lowland rainforests. They feed on nectar from flowers and help in pollination.
Yellow-throated Toucan
These quite fascinating birds have distinctive features with black bodies, bright yellow patches on the chest and white throats. They are seen in rainforests perched on tree branches. They have large and colorful bills which are used for communication and feeding. They mostly eat fruits and are quite social in living, with at least a group of 6 individuals. They build their nest in tree cavities.
Three-wattled Bellbird
These birds have a distinct wattled throat which is uniquely found in the last rainforest. These are large birds of around 12 inches in length with a wing span of 20 inches. The male bird has three long wattles which hang from their beak and these are used to make loud calls which can be heard from a mile away. The female birds have shorter wattles and are not quite prominent.
Blue-crowned Motmot
These birds have a unique blue crown and have a distinct appearance with bright blue feathers and along with a racket-shaped bill. These are insectivorous birds and can be spotted perched motionless on branches looking for their prey.
Conservation Efforts in Costa Rica
Numerous conservation efforts are being taken to protect the avian population in Costa Rica which includes conservation programs, habitat Restoration and education or awareness programs.
Threats Faced by Costa Rica
The primary threat in Costa Rica is ecological systems destruction which comes along with loss of nesting and breeding areas, further leading to a decline in the avian population. Also, pollution, pesticide effects and other chemicals are having a negative impact on the life cycle of the bird. Climate change is also threatening the migration pattern and disrupting the breeding cycles of the birds making them endangered.
Protecting the Avian Species of Costa Rica
To protect the birds many organizations are conducting research on the avian population and trying to engage in habitat restoration efforts such as the Costa Rica Bird Observatories Network. Governments are also implementing policies to protect them and stop poaching. Local bird-watching guides are also playing their part in the conservation effort, by educating tourists and promoting sustainable bird-watching practices without disturbing the bird population.
Is There a Bird Species in Costa Rica Recognised as Under Risk?
Yes, there are 27 bird species in Costa Rica which are globally recognised as under risk and endangered.
What is the National Bird of Costa Rica?
The national bird of Costa Rica is Yigüirro, which is locally named, it is a clay-colored thrush.
