Birds Of Costa Rica: 2025 Guide to Birdwatching Hotspots & Must-See Species
All You Need To Know About Birdwatching In Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world – and with over 900 recorded species, it lives up to the hype. From cloud forests to coastal wetlands, this small country is packed with habitats that attract both resident and migratory birds.
With seven endemic species and a tropical climate that supports birding year-round, it’s easy to see why birders keep coming back.
Plan your stay at Copa De Arbol Eco-Resort and start each morning with bird calls from your private balcony.
Ready To Go Birding? See The Most Popular Birds In Costa Rica
For bird lovers, Costa Rica is a top destination, with opportunities to spot birds like the vibrant Scarlet Macaw, the majestic Great Green Macaw, and the energetic Blue-crowned Manakin.
With their dazzling colors and captivating behaviors, these birds enhance Costa Rica’s birdwatching appeal and put it at the top of the list for birdwatching.
Scarlet Macaw - Bold, Noisy, and Easy to Spot
With its bright red, yellow, and blue feathers, the Scarlet Macaw is one of the most recognizable birds in Costa Rica. These parrots are often seen in pairs or small flocks, flying over the rainforest canopy or perched in the branches of almond trees.
They’re loud — really loud — and their screeching calls are hard to miss, especially in places like Carara National Park and Corcovado National Park.
Scarlet Macaws can live up to 50 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. The oldest recorded macaw was named Charlie, who lived to 114 years old, outliving several owners
Great Green Macaw - Endangered Giant of the Caribbean Lowlands
Larger and rarer than the Scarlet Macaw, the Great Green Macaw is mostly found in the Caribbean lowland forests of northern Costa Rica. Their emerald-green feathers, blue-tipped wings, and powerful beaks make them a standout species — but also one of the hardest to spot without a guide.
Listen for loud cracking sounds as they open seeds, and look high in the canopy for these vibrant birds, especially in Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado, and Sarapiquí.
The Great Green Macaw plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal for various plant species.
Blue-Crowned Manakin - Fast, Flashy, and Hard to Spot
Small, bright, and incredibly fast, the Blue-Crowned Manakin is best known for its hopping courtship dances and electric blue head feathers. They’re usually seen alone or in male display groups called “leks,” deep in shaded forest understories.
Look for them in dense humid forests, and keep an ear out; they’re more often heard than seen.
During mating season the Blue-Crowned Manakin males produce distinctive sounds with their wings and tails. These sounds are a key part of the courtship display and can be heard by females as they approach.
Great Currassow - Ground-Dwelling and Surprisingly Bold
The Great Curassow is a large, ground-dwelling bird often seen foraging through the forest floor in protected areas. Males are glossy black with curly head crests, while females show a variety of colors like brown, rufous, or black with white markings.
They walk confidently through trails and clearings, usually in small groups. Corcovado National Park and Piedras Blancas are good places to spot them, especially in the early morning.
The Great Curassow features in the mythology and folklore of some indigenous groups. It is sometimes portrayed as a guardian of the forest or a creature with special powers
Lowland Birdwatching – Tropical Heat & High Bird Diversity
The lowlands of Costa Rica — particularly along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts — are teeming with life. From Scarlet Macaws to Toucans and Curassows, these areas are ideal for spotting large, colorful birds and migratory species.
The dry season (December to April) offers better access to trails and higher bird activity. The wet season (May to November), while more humid, brings unique opportunities to see nesting behavior and seasonal migrants.
Keel-Billed Motmot - Rare Find with a Unique Call
Known for its broad orange-and-black bill and racket-shaped tail, the Keel-Billed Motmot is an elusive bird found in lowland forests.
Their calls are low and owl-like, often heard at dawn or dusk. They perch still on branches near forest edges, waiting to catch insects and small reptiles.
Look for them in areas like Monteverde Cloud Forest and Corcovado National Park, both reliable birding destinations.
The recked-shaped tail feathers on Blue-crowned motmots are created by deliberate preening, which they use for communication and mating displays.
The Most Beautiful Birds In Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to some of the most photogenic birds in the tropics. Here are a few standout species known for their color, courtship displays, and high-altitude habitats.
Resplendent Quetzal - Elusive Icon of the Cloud Forest
The Resplendent Quetzal is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world, and spotting one is often the highlight of any birding trip. Males have iridescent green feathers and long tail streamers, while females are shorter-tailed but equally striking.
Look for them during their breeding season (March–April) in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Los Quetzales National Park, where early mornings offer the best chance for sightings.
Quetzals can be found at elevations ranging from 3,900 to 9,800 feet in cloud forests and in the wild they have an average lifespan of 20 years.
Toucans - Six Species, All Eye-Catching
Costa Rica is home to six species of toucans, including the Keel-billed Toucan, Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan, Fiery-billed Aracari, Collared Aracari, Yellow-eared Toucanet, and the smaller Emerald Toucanet.
Their oversized, colorful bills help with feeding and body temperature regulation, making them a favorite among bird photographers.
A toucan's bill can release up to 100% of their body heat to help regulate their temperature.
Hummingbirds - Fast, Flashy, and Everywhere
With over 50 species across the country, Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to see hummingbirds. These tiny birds are key pollinators, constantly moving between brightly colored flowers and feeders.
Popular species include the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and Violet-crowned Woodnymph, both easy to spot in gardens, lodges, and forest edges.
Where to see them:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Savegre Valley
- Cinchona Hummingbird Café
- Around Arenal Volcano
Best times for sightings are early morning and late afternoon when they’re most active near feeders and flower clusters.
Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and can see ultraviolet light, which helps them locate flowers.
Fiery-Billed Aracari - Tropical Fruit-Eating Specialist
This small toucan stands out with its fiery orange bill and vivid yellow-and-black body. The Fiery-billed Aracari lives in the lowland rainforests of southwest Costa Rica, often foraging in small flocks in the upper canopy.
They feed mostly on fruit but will also eat insects and small animals. High-pitched whistles often give away their location before you spot them.
Best places to see them:
- Corcovado National Park
- Carara National Park
- Osa Peninsula
Watch how they move through the trees, agile and acrobatic; they’re a favorite for bird photographers.
Fiery-billed Aracari's have a varied diet. About 80% of their diet consists of fruits, 15% of insects and arthropods, and 5% of small vertebrates and bird eggs.
Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan - Big Bill, Big Personality
Also called the Swainson’s Toucan, this large bird has a chestnut-colored lower mandible and a bright yellow throat. It’s common in lowland rainforests, especially in the Osa Peninsula and central Pacific regions. Their calls are loud, frog-like croaks that echo through the trees. Toucans travel in small groups and are often seen raiding fruit trees near trails.
Look for them in:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Corcovado National Park
Toucans are crucial for seed dispersal in their habitats. It is estimated that they can disperse seeds from approximately 60-70% of the fruits they consume, aiding forest regeneration.
Birding Tips
Birding in Costa Rica can be overwhelming, not because it’s difficult, but because there’s so much to see. Here are a few practical tips to make the most of your trip:
Bring the Right Binoculars
Look for lightweight models with 8x or 10x magnification and a wide field of view. Keep them clean and practice focusing before your trip.
Practice “Birding by Ear”
Many tropical birds are hard to see but easy to hear. Learn the calls of species you want to spot, especially quetzals, motmots, and manakins.
Listen for Low Sounds at Night
If you’re birding near forest edges or lodges, listen for owls or motmots after dark. Their deep calls can lead you to them — patience is key.
Move Quietly
Loud voices and sudden movement can scare off nearby birds. Walk slowly, scan the canopy and understory, and stop often.
Hire a Local Guide
Booking a naturalist guide dramatically improves your chances of spotting rare birds. Most speak English, carry scopes, and know local behavior patterns.
Bird Behavior
Watching bird behavior is part of what makes birding in Costa Rica so rewarding. Whether it’s a courtship dance or a nesting ritual, birds here are busy, especially in the early morning.
Common Courtship Displays
- Resplendent Quetzal: sings and flutters through the canopy during mating season
- Long-tailed Manakin: performs a synchronized two-male dance
- Montezuma Oropendola: builds long hanging nests and swings upside down while calling
- Turquoise-browed Motmot: displays tail in rhythmic pendulum motion
Learning these behaviors makes it easier to spot species and can be more interesting than just ticking off a list.
Birding Destinations
Places For Birding In Costa Rica
With over 900 species and dozens of protected areas, Costa Rica is packed with birding hotspots. Here are some of the best places to go:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Famous for quetzals, bellbirds, hummingbirds, and hanging bridge viewpoints. Book a guided cloud forest tour.
- Tortuguero National Park: Explore canals and wetlands with herons, kingfishers, and toucans. Browse wildlife and bird tours.
- La Selva Biological Station: Ideal for families and beginner birders; excellent infrastructure and educational tours. See more for families.
- Corcovado National Park:
Home to macaws, curassows, toucans, and over 40 species of hummingbird. Stay near Corcovado.
Guided Birding Tours – See More, Miss Less
If you’re serious about birding in Costa Rica, hiring a naturalist guide is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Local guides know the trails, bird calls, nesting sites, and seasonal patterns — all of which can dramatically increase your chances of spotting rare species.
Why Book a Guide?
- They carry spotting scopes and sound equipment
- They know where birds have been seen recently
- They understand local weather and terrain
- Many are fluent in English and deeply experienced
- Most tours are customizable by interest and skill level
Experience the ULTIMATE BIRDWATCHING ADVENTURE at Sirena Biological Station. This birding hotspot is home to over 300 bird species including the Resplendent Quetzal and the Harpy Eagle. Guided tour from $75 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some top locations include Monteverde Cloud Forest, Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero, and La Selva Biological Station. Each offers a different mix of habitats and species.
Look out for the Resplendent Quetzal, Scarlet Macaw, Blue-crowned Manakin, Keel-billed Toucan, and Great Curassow. Many are endemic or regionally rare, spotting even one can make your trip.
Yes! The Costa Rica Birding & Photo Fest in Sarapiquí and the Osa Bird Festival are two major events with guided tours, expert talks, and photography workshops.
The dry season (December–April) is best for accessibility and active birding. The wet season (May–November) is quieter but often brings nesting behavior and fewer crowds.
Essentials include:
- 8x or 10x binoculars
- A field guide or birding app
- Notebook or phone for logging sightings
- Camera with zoom lens (optional)
- Light, breathable clothing + sturdy shoes
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Mario Wong - Bird Photographer
Mario Wong is a self-taught photographer. He is inspired by and passionate about nature photography. Mario has captured some of the most stunning photos of birdlife in Costa Rica and is one of the key contributers to this blog.
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