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A Guide to 50+ of Costa Rica’s Most Beautiful and Interesting Birds

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Supreet Sahoo
A Guide to 50+ of Costa Rica’s Most Beautiful and Interesting Birds

It is amazing that over 900 species of birds can live in such a small country and you can encounter all of them at Costa Rica Photo Tour. Costa Rica is just the size of the state of West Virginia or the country of Denmark. Costa Rica is just 464 kms (288 miles) in length and 274 kms (170 miles) in width, yet per square mile or kilometre has the most abundant and diverse bird life. The key to the success of such a variety of species is the topography of the country. The Central Mountains and Volcanoes have created diversity in moisture and temperature between the highlands and the lowlands, and the Caribbean and the Pacific. The result is six major live zones, each zone able to support and provide habitats for many different birds.   Here is a list of some of the favourites of our staff and guides. 

Trogons

Trogons are colourful birds, with a unique shape that makes them very identifiable in the rainforest.  Costa Rica has ten species of Trogons. The Resplendent Quetzal is the easiest of the Trogons to identify. The other species can most easily be distinguished by the colour of the eye ring, chest, and pattern of the tail feathers. The male and females of the species differ in colour, have your field guide handy. 

1- Resplendent Quetzal

The Quetzal is not just the most beautiful Trogon; it’s one of the most beautiful birds in the world. With its stunning emerald colored feathers, ruby red chest and belly, and four long tail coverts that stream down up to 30 inches beyond the tip of the tail, the Quetzal is truly a must see for all bird watchers.  Quetzals can be found in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, predominantly in San Gerardo de Dota and Monteverde.

 2- Collared Trogon

The beautiful male Collared Trogon features a bright green head, and red belly, as well as a black mask and bright yellow bill. The female presents the same, except she has a brown head and back, replacing the green of the male.  The Collared Trogon prefers the foothills of both the Caribbean and the Pacific of Costa Rica.

3- Lattice Tailed Trogon

The Lattice Tailed Trogon is the only Trogon with a pale iris. The underside of the tail  displays an intricate barring of grey, black, and white. The Lattice Tailed Trogon is endemic to Costa Rica and Western Panama. The best place to see this lovely Trogon is in the Caribbean Foothills, but you’ll need to search, it’s not an easy bird to find.

Toucans

No bird says the tropics like the Toucan.  Their colorful long bills, and beautiful bright patterns of feathers make them a favorite for bird watchers, bird photographers and naturalists.  Costa Rica has six species of Toucans and luckily by visiting the right habitats, all six are fairly easy to see. 

1- Keel Billed Toucan

The most iconic of all the Toucans, The Keel Billed Toucan is often called the Fruit loops Bird. The call of the Keel Bill makes it easy to identify, just listen for a frog like croak coming from the trees above. The Keel Bill has wide distribution from the Caribbean Slope, Lowlands, Mid-Elevation, in both forested and inhabited areas.

2- Yellow Throated Toucan

Formerly known as the Chestnut Mandibled Toucan, the Yellow Throated Toucan is the largest Toucan in Costa Rica, standing at about 22 inches tall.  This beautiful bird can be seen on the Caribbean or Pacific slopes, and lowlands. 

3- Fiery Billed Aracari

This small very social Toucan can be found traveling in small groups through the Central and Pacific slope. The brightly colored red-orange upper mandible makes this handsome little bird hard to mistake. 

4- Emerald Toucanet

The Emerald Toucanet gets its name from its lush deep green breast and belly.  The rich blue around the bill gives the striking little Toucan a regal look. The Emerald Toucanet favors mid-level montane wet forests.  It is a common visitor to feeders set in the right habitat, making it a favorite for birders and bird photographers. 

Parrots, Parakeets, & Macaws

Costa Rica is fortunate to have 15 species of Parrots and Parakeets and 2 species of Macaws. With bright colorful plumage and raucous vocalizations, Parrots are favorites of not just bird watchers and bird photographers, but also nature lovers in general. Listen and look up to see some of your favorite Parrots while visiting Costa Rica. 

1- Scarlet Macaw

This splendid bird cannot be mistaken for any other. The colors are simply magnificent with a scarlet red head and back, sapphire blue wings, green and yellow stripes and a striking white mask, the Scarlet Macaw is certainly one of nature’s most wonderful gifts. The Scarlet Macaw has good distribution from the Central Pacific south to the Osa Peninsula.  Recent rehabilitation programs are allowing for the the Scarlet Macaw to reach into the northern province of Guanacaste and east into the Caribbean as well. 

2- Great Green Macaw

The Great Green Macaw is the largest of all the Parrots in Costa Rica.  Like its cousin, the Scarlet Macaw, it is unmistakable, with its incredible combination of brilliant green head and back, and rich blue fringed wings. The Great Green Macaw also has the tell-tale SQUAWK that can be heard long before you see this fantastic bird flying overhead.  The Great Green Macaw is easiest to see in the northern Caribbean lowlands, though rehabilitation programs are extending its range.

3- Crimson Fronted Parakeet

The Crimson Fronted Parakeet is the most common Parakeet in the Central Valley. It’s easiest to identify by its long pointed tail, red on the leading portions of the wings, and a red forehead (easiest to see when it’s perched).  This very pretty little Parakeet is usually found in large flocks and has a wide distribution throughout the country. 

4- Brown Hooded Parrots

The cute little Brown Hooded Parrot is identified by its chocolate brown hood, white orbital ring and red ear patch. Like most of their cousins, they are a loud bunch, traveling in flocks in wet lowlands and middle elevations on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the country.

 

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