Costa Rica has been recognized across the globe for its excellent biodiversity. Within its 19,730 square miles of land territory, 5% of the world’s species can be found there. Therefore, it is natural that bird watching in this country is considered one of the best experiences for those who like bird watching.
Although Costa Rica has numerous amazing creatures to see, including colorful frogs, lazy sloths (though The Conversation will tell you it’s not lazy, but instead survival), and adorable monkeys,
Costa Rica birds will make your summer vacation; colorful, musical, and active is what to call these birds.
They are also mystical and spellbinding. And even if you have never had a thing for bird watching, this destination will make you a temporary enthusiast.
The Best Birding Destination In The World
Why Bird Watching In Costa Rica?
BirdLife International has identified more than ten thousand bird species globally, of which 9% have been recorded in Costa Rica by this organization.
And while this country has been ranked 24th among countries with more bird species, it is essential to note that all the countries ranked higher than Costa Rica outdo it regarding the size.
A good example is China, a country more than 190 times the size of Costa Rica.
Taking a closer look, you will discover that Costa Rica has the greatest density of bird species per square foot of all other countries ranked above it on the list.
Particularly relevant is the total number of endangered species present in this country.
Of all the 857 species, about 24 of these are in a globally threatened status.
These endangered species include the Guanacaste Hummingbird, the Great Green Macaw, and the Galapagos Petrel.
Learn more about the Galapagos Petrel at Galapagos Conservation.
In Costa Rica, the rainbow usually paints the feathers of these beautiful birds.
And besides all this, here are a few other reasons why bird watching in Costa Rica should be on your bucket list this year.
It Is Easy To Spot The Costa Rica Birds
Unlike the sloths and monkeys, most of the Costa Rica birds are usually very easy to find.
Even if you are just a lazy watcher, you will definitely stumble across hundreds of beautiful, buzzing hummingbirds in the Monteverde National Park.
And if you are more adventurous with bird watching, says opticsmag.com, the best idea would be to hire an English-speaking guide so that he can help you seek the renowned Resplendent Quetzal.
While they might be quite expensive, they are worth the money, and In fact, you might not see even one animal without them.
Another expensive but very worthwhile bird-watching item is a birding spotting scope, which, according to Bird Cages Now, can be 10x the number of feathered friends you see on your next adventure.
Unique Feathers and Brilliant Coloring
Another reason you should go bird watching in Costa Rica is that this country plays home to numerous bird species, most of which are just attractive to stare at.
The male Quetzal is arguably the most beautiful, famous, and most sought-after bird in this destination because of its magnificent coloring and long tail feathers.
Another bird you should be watching is Motmot, a species with unique tail feathers and two barbs that stick out at the end of the tail.
Crazy Worldly Bird Calls
What the hell of a sound did I hear?
According to bird enthusiasts who have been to Costa Rica, the birds in this bird-watching destination sing some of the most surprising calls, with some of them going for as long as 20 seconds.
One bird call you will love is that of the Montezuma Oropendola.
This bird species has quite some lungs, and it belts out its bird call so dramatically that it will almost topple over.
Top Bird Watching Spots In Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest
In 2007, the Monteverde Cloud Forest was named by Costa Ricans as one of their country’s seven wonders.
Thanks to its excellent location, this reserve has multiple ecological zones, with 90% of them being an unoccupied forest.
Cloud cover hovering around the forest canopy creates an environment like no other.
Most animals and plants that have their habitat in this forest cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
Besides being known for having the most orchid species in one location, Monteverde is estimated to be home to more than 400 different species of birds, and an early morning bird watching tour is the best opportunity to see how many bird species you can see.
La Selva Biological Station
If you want to see as many bird species as possible in one place, then the Le Selva Biological Station should be your destination of choice.
The La Selva protection area is more than 1500 hectares, and the station plays host to more than 300 scientists and students every year.
Its extensive laboratory facilities and prime location make it globally recognized as one of the world’s top destinations for anyone studying tropical rainforest ecology.
The number of bird species recorded in this area is more than any other site in Central America.
While more than half of the 450+ species are local, the rest usually migrate via La Selva.
Fantastic visitor education and ease of access have made this spot an excellent research station, eco-tourism destination, and forest reserve.
Santa Juana
This country’s Southern and Central Pacific regions meet, and birding enthusiasts will naturally find something to delight.
Apart from bird-lovers being placed in a huge bird migration route, the Talamanca Mountains range, which is just nearby, also adds to the number of bird species you can view, from the higher elevations to the foothills.
And when the migration season is on, a single day of birding could result in more than 250 bird species crossed off your to-view list.
And if you are from Canada or the USA, you should not be surprised if you see some home-like feathered birds.
This migration corridor is one of the most favorites for most bird species, and the migrating species will probably stand out among the many other brightly-colored local birds.
Whether you are looking to have a great adventure with Costa Rica Focus – Bird Tours in this country or will be there for a few days, an expert ornithologist, or barely know any bird species, birding in Costa Rica is an experience you will enjoy.