Costa Rica birdwatching is an experience like no other! The country’s diverse nature has created living conditions for numerous kinds of birds. Interestingly enough, many of them cannot be found elsewhere in the world! The distinguished surroundings, such as rainforests, cloud forests, savannas, and mangroves, offer a home to a wide variety of species. Expect to see everything from vibrantly hued parrots and toucans to impressive eagles and unique hummingbirds.
If you love birdwatching, Costa Rica is the place you need to visit. However, whether this is your first time planning a birdwatching trip or you have some experience, it is good to have some guidelines to help you. In this blog, we have included everything you need to know when preparing for a Costa Rican birdwatching adventure so you do not miss out on anything!
Tips for Planning a Birdwatching Trip in Costa Rica
If you want to enjoy and make the most of your Costa Rica birding trip, careful preparation is a must! You should pay attention to some details that can greatly affect the success of your travels. That is why we have added a few tips to make a difference to your birdwatching adventure and give you a memorable experience!
- Pick The Right Time of The Year
To see the most authentic and rare birds in Costa Rica, you should plan your trip during the dry season. This is the time from December to April when birds are easier to spot, and their sounds are more audible. Nature’s silence will also allow you to hear their unique songs. Plus, it will be more convenient to travel without having to think about rain equipment.
- Find Out Which Birds You Want to See
In addition to creating the ultimate Costa Rica birding trip itinerary, finding out the species you want to see is essential. There are over 900 types of birds in Costa Rica, and they all live in different places in the country. Obviously, you cannot see all of them, meaning you should pick the ones that are important to you. This is how you will determine the spots you will visit and easily plan your itinerary! The most iconic birds in Costa Rica are the scarlet macaw, quetzal, keel-billed toucan, green violet-ear hummingbird, great curassow, roseate spoonbill and crested caracara. Although very widespread in America it will be a plus if you get to see a Yigüirro (Turdus grayi), the national bird of Costa Rica.
- Be Prepared to Identify Them
We highly recommend you to watch pictures and listen to sounds of the birds you want to spot before starting your trip. One app that is highly used among bird watchers is called Merlin. It is also very useful to identify birds you are seeing or listening to for the first time. It is free and very easy to use. You can download it for iOS or Android and then install the Costa Rica package.
- Hire a Local Guide
If you begin researching Costa Rica birdwatching, you will discover a lot of things. From things you need for your trip to places you should visit, the Internet will provide you with all kinds of information. However, all the tips you can find can never replace the unique experience of a local guide. This person will take you to all the places you want to see and uncover some secret spots that only a local would know. Plus, they will keep you safe during the entire trip, meaning you will not have to worry about anything! Feel free to contact us for a customised bird watching trip.
Where to See Birds in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has an abundance of stunning natural places where you can see different types of birds. However, some of them are known to provide the best experience for birding enthusiasts. We have included some Costa Rica birding hotspots that you should definitely consider for your travel itinerary.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde is one of the most glorious places in Costa Rica! It is a cloud forest that is home to a diverse selection of birds. There, you can see some of the most authentic kinds, such as the Three-Wattled Bellbird, Resplendent Quetzal, and the Long-Tailed Silky-Flycatcher.
- Palo Verde National Park
Palo Verde is another excellent place for Costa Rica birdwatching. The park’s wetlands provide a safe haven for water birds such as the Bare-Throated Tiger Heron, the White Ibis, the Great Egret, and the Jabiru. These birds migrate to the national park during the dry season to take advantage of the refreshing water.
- Corcovado National Park
If you want to make your birding trip more unique, you need to see species that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Corcovado is a sanctuary for endangered and rare species, and you will get to see them in their natural habitat. However, this is one of the most diverse national parks in Costa Rica, so besides birds, you will get to enjoy marvelous landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
- Arenal Volcano National Park
When you want your birdwatching adventure to include diverse habitats, you need to put the Arenal Volcano National Park on your traveling schedule. In this park, you can see rare types of birds, such as Montezuma Oropendola, Great Curassow, and Emerald Tanager. But you will also take advantage of stunning volcano views and even enjoy relaxing hot springs.
Costa Rica is a paradise for people who love birdwatching. If you are one of them, then a trip to the country will bring you unforgettable experiences. We have given you the most essential tips, so now, you just have to pick the time and get ready for the Costa Rica birdwatching adventure of a lifetime!
Discover more on a trip to Costa Rica with us!