Costa Rica is recognized worldwide for its biodiversity.  Within only 19,730 square miles of territory, 4,5% of the world´s species can be found.  So, it is natural that bird watching in Costa Rica is considered as one of the best experiences by the lovers of this discipline.  If you consider yourself a passionate about birds or you are an ornithologist, a visit to our tiny country should be in your pocket list and today, we tell you why.


Why bird watching in Costa Rica?

Bird Life International identifies more than 10,000 species of birds in the world, of which 8,6% are recorded in Costa Rica by the same organization.  Even though Costa Rica is placed in the 24th position of countries with more bird species, it is important to note that absolutely all these countries overdo the size of Costa Rica in thousands of miles. As an example, int he case of China, it exceeds the size of Costa Rica by up to 190 times its size, as is the case of China.  Therefore, if you take a closer look, Costa Rica has the highest density of species per square foot of all the countries that preceded it on the list.


Especially relevant is the number of endangered species found in Costa Rica. Out of the 857 species, 24 species are in globally threatened status. Some of this are: the Critically Endangered Guanacaste Hummingbird (Amazilia alfaroana), the Galapagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) and the Great Grenn Macaw (Pterodroma phaeopygia).


Also, in Costa Rica, the rainbow paints the feathers of these magnificent animals.  Some of the most breathtaking species that you will find in Costa Rica are:


The Hummingbird

Bird Watching in Costa Rica - Hummingbird

Blue-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia cyanura by Glen Tepke


The Resplendent Quetzal

Bird watching in Costa Rica - Quetzal

Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno by adlayasanimals


The Scarlett Macaw

Bird watching in Costa Rica Scarlet Maccaw

Scarlet Macaw Ara macao by Bill Beard’s Costa Rica


The Keel-billed toucan

Bird watching in Costa Rica Toucan

Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus by Bence Mate


The Trogon

Bird Watching in Costa Rica Trogon

Lattice-tailed Trogon – Trogon clathratus by Wiki Commons


The Long-tailed manakin

Bird Watching in Costa Rica Long-tailed Manakin

Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis by daemonsandanalyses



The Red-headed barbet

Bird Watching in Costa Rica Red-headed Barbet

Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii by Francisco Piedrahita


The Roseate Spoonbill

Bird Watching in Costa Rica Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja by Scott Olmstead


The Northern Royal Flycatcher

Bird watching in Costa Rica Northern Royal Flycatcher

Northern Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus mexicanus by Alonso Quevedo Gil


The Turquoise-browed Motmot

Bird Watching in Costa Rica Motmot

Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa by leesbirdblog



Route of the Birds: the new bird watching experience


One of the great advantages of bird watching in Costa Rica is the possibility of experiencing 12 different ecosystems, each with different species of birds, in relatively short distances.


Recently, the national tourism authorities of Costa Rica recognized the importance of this discipline announcing the “Route of the Birds”. The itinerary includes 12 destinations throughout the country that guarantees an amazing experience.


Bird watching in Costa Rica where to go


With the launch of this program, the government itself will invest to enhance the bird watching experience in the country. Consequently, it is expected to expand schedules in National Parks, create self-guided trails, improve accessibility, generate more value to the tourist, invest in research that minimizes the impact of this tourism, create specific signage, among others.


No matter if you would like to embark on an extensive adventure across the country or if you will be spending just a few days in our land. It does not matter if you are an expert ornithologist or if you barely recognize some bird names. Therefore, bird watching in Costa Rica is an activity that anyone can enjoy. It is said that by day you can appreciate around 100 species, and whether you know their name or not, the beauty of these winged animals will surprise you.


We invite you to discover all that Costa Rica can offer with our personalized tours. For bird watching, we recommend our tours to Palo Verde and Monteverde. Tell us what you would like to experience and we help you make it happen.