Costa Rica is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 900 species of birds living in the country. From toucans to hummingbirds, there is a wide range of beautiful and colorful birds to see. In this blog, we will focus on some of the most iconic and magnificent birds of Costa Rica, including the Scarlet Macaw, Resplendent Quetzal, Blue-crowned Motmot, Keel-billed Toucan, Montezuma Oropendola, White-collared Manakin, Clay-colored Thrush, Great Kiskadee, Green Heron, American Redstart, Northern Jacana, Yellow Warbler, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, Tropical Kingbird, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird.
Let’s start with the Scarlet Macaw, one of the most recognizable birds in the world. These large and colorful parrots can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America, including Costa Rica. Scarlet Macaws are known for their bright red, blue, and yellow feathers, and their loud squawks. They are often seen flying in pairs or small groups and can be found nesting in tree cavities.
Next up is the Resplendent Quetzal, a bird that has played an important role in the mythology and culture of Central America. The Quetzal is a beautiful bird with emerald green feathers and a long, iridescent tail. It is revered for its beauty and was once considered sacred by the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. The Quetzal can be found in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and is a favorite among bird watchers.
The Blue-crowned Motmot is another stunning bird found in Costa Rica. It is known for its distinctive turquoise-blue crown and long, racket-shaped tail feathers. The Motmot is often found near streams and rivers and is known for its unique hunting behavior. It will sit quietly on a branch and then suddenly dart out to catch its prey.
The Keel-billed Toucan is another bird that is synonymous with the rainforests of Central America. Toucans are known for their brightly colored bills, and the Keel-billed Toucan is no exception. Its bill is a rainbow of colors, including red, green, and orange. Toucans are fruit eaters and can often be seen perched in trees, feasting on ripe fruit.
The Montezuma Oropendola is a bird with a unique appearance and behavior. The male of the species has a bright yellow tail and a distinctive, downward-curving beak. The Oropendola is known for its incredible hanging nests, which can be up to three feet long and are made of woven grass and plant fibers.
The White-collared Manakin is a small bird with a unique courtship display. During mating season, male Manakins will perform elaborate dances, hopping and jumping on branches and making a distinctive “snap” sound with their wings. The male Manakin has bright yellow feathers and a white collar, while the female is a more subdued green.
The Clay-colored Thrush is the national bird of Costa Rica and is known for its beautiful song. This bird has a warm brown color with a distinctive yellow bill. It is often found in gardens and parks, and its song is a common sound in Costa Rican cities.
The Great Kiskadee is a bird with a distinctive call that sounds like its name. This bird has a bright yellow belly and a brown back, with a black and white striped head. The Kiskadee is a common sight in Costa Rica and can be found near water, where it hunts for insects and small fish.
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