Boasting 948 recorded avian species, the greatest density of any continental American country, Costa Rica is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With so many to see, it can be difficult know which ones to look for. To get you started, we’ve compiled a checklist of some of our favorite Casa Danta resident species!
Trogons
Found in tropical forests worldwide, the trogon belongs to the same family as one of Costa Rica’s most iconic birds, the resplendent quetzal. With 13 species across the country, there are plenty of spotting opportunities to be had!
Species spotted at CD: Baird’s trogon, slaty-tailed trogon
Toucans
With their big, colorful bills, toucans are some of the most iconic birds in the world. Luckily, they often prefer to hang out in open areas, making them some of the easiest species to spot in the wild!
While staying at Casa Danta, keep an eye out for the chestnut-mandibled toucan, or Swainson’s toucan. This is a subspecies of the yellow-throated toucan, and the largest of the toucan species in Central America.
On the other end of the size spectrum is the fiery-billed aracari. This small, brightly-colored toucan found exclusively in the Pacific Coastal region of Costa Rica and Western Panama.
Species spotted at CD: chestnut-mandibled toucan, fiery-billed aracari
Motmots
With their racquet-shaped tail tip, motmots are one of the most unique bird species Costa Rica has to offer. A relative of kingfishers, bee-eaters, and rollers, motmots have been known to swing their tails in a pendular motion, therefore earning them the nickname of “clock birds.” Often difficult to spot amongst the thick foliage, the best way to see a motmot is to listen for their call, a double “hoot” that sounds similar to that of an owl.
Species spotted at CD: blue-crowned motmot
Cracids
Often locally referred to as “pavos,” or turkeys due to their similar appearance, guans and curassows are tree-dwelling birds that make up two-thirds of the cracid family.
These large birds, while generally dull-plumaged, often have colorful facial ornamentation. Due to their size, it is common to hear them crashing through the treetops long before they appear.
Species spotted at CD: crested guan, great curassow
Manakins
Manakins are a family of small passerine bird that can be found throughout much of Central and South America. What sets manakins apart from many birds in the region, however, is their lekking courtship rituals, which often include displays of dancing. The red-capped manakin, which can be seen at Casa Danta, is often referred to as the “Michael Jackson bird” for its ability to moonwalk across branches. Look for them high up in the trees in surrounding forests.
Species spotted at CD: red-capped manakin
Tanagers
The second-largest family of birds, tanagers are found throughout the neotropics. Ranging in size from small to medium, tanagers are often colorful, although some species are black and white. Due to their smaller size, they can be difficult to spot in the trees. With their incredible diversity, however, they are worth keeping an eye out for!
Species spotted at CD: golden-hooded tanager, scarlet-thighed dacnis
Macaws
The largest of the parrots, macaws are also some of the most iconic. Found in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region is the scarlet macaw, one of the best-known and most colorful species. With their loud screeching calls, you will often hear them before you see them. Look for them in trees snacking on seeds, or flying in pairs high in the sky.
Species spotted at CD: scarlet macaw
To learn more about birdwatching in Costa Rica, be sure to check out the links below:
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/things-to-do/birdwatching