Birdwatching · birding areas · bird species
Birdwatching in Costa Rica lets you combine cloud forest, tropical rainforest, dry forest, mangroves and high-elevation mountain forest in a single trip. Discover where to spot quetzals, scarlet macaws, toucans, hummingbirds and migratory birds, which nature reserves are easy to reach and when conditions are best for a birding trip through Costa Rica.
Why go birdwatching in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has an exceptional variety of birds for a relatively small country. Two coastlines, volcanic mountain ranges and major changes in elevation bring lowland rainforest, dry forest, cloud forest and wetlands close together. This means that a Costa Rica itinerary can deliver a remarkable number of different bird species in a short amount of time.
The Pacific side has a clear dry season, with open dry forest in Guanacaste and bird-rich transition zones around Carara. On the Caribbean side, humid forests, waterways and lagoons dominate. Drive higher towards Monteverde, Braulio Carrillo or the Talamanca range and you reach cooler mountain forest, home to quetzals, mountain hummingbirds, tanagers and species rarely found in the lowlands.
Migration also makes Costa Rica special. From August to November, a remarkable stream of raptors passes along the Caribbean slope, estimated by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute at around three million birds. FaunaMap helps you check recent sightings, birding spots, hotspots and expected species at each location before you head out.
Landscapes and biodiversity
If you want to go birdwatching in Costa Rica, do not focus only on national parks. Elevation, rainfall and vegetation type are just as important. These six habitats influence which species you can expect and explain why an itinerary covering several regions is far more rewarding than staying in one place.
The humid forests and waterways of Tortuguero, Sarapiquí and the northern lowlands stay green all year. Exploring the canals by boat can reveal species that are difficult to find in dense forest, while forest edges and lodges often attract surprisingly many birds. Early mornings are the quietest and offer the best light.
Typical species
In Monteverde, Braulio Carrillo and other mountain forests, mist, epiphytes and elevation shape the birdlife. Dense vegetation rewards patient listening and frequent scanning of the canopy. Fruit trees and mixed flocks can produce quetzals, toucanets, bellbirds and several hummingbird species in a single morning.
Typical species
From Guanacaste to Carara, the forest changes dramatically with the seasons. During the dry months, trees lose their leaves and clearings become easier to scan, while Carara forms a transition between dry and humid Pacific forest. Set out early for parrots, motmots, trogons and birds along the river.
Typical species
Along the Pacific coast, mangroves, river mouths, mudflats and coastal forest meet. The estuaries of Térraba-Sierpe, the Golfo Dulce and the coast around Osa are especially interesting for birds that depend on shallow water and tides. Scan both the muddy shores and the treetops above the beach.
Typical species
Palo Verde and other wetlands in the Tempisque Valley change with the water level. During the drier months, open pools and muddy shores attract large numbers of herons, storks, ibises and shorebirds. The combination with dry forest makes these areas ideal for birdwatchers who want to see wetland and forest species in one day.
Typical species
Above the treeline and in the cool mountain forests of the Cordillera de Talamanca, birding takes on a different rhythm. The air is thinner, weather can change quickly and many species stay among low shrubs or in the canopy. This is the habitat of quetzals, mountain hummingbirds and species that do not occur in the lowlands.
Typical species
Birdwatching throughout the year
Costa Rica does not have four European-style seasons. On the Pacific side, the main distinction is between the dry season and the green season, while the Caribbean coast follows a different rainfall pattern. For birdwatchers, the arrival of migrants, the breeding season and visible raptor migration are also important.
January
Dry seasonJanuary is often sunny and relatively dry on the Pacific side. This makes Carara, Guanacaste and Palo Verde appealing for a first taste of Costa Rican birdwatching. North American winter visitors are present, and parrots, motmots, herons and raptors are easier to find in open landscapes.
Recommended placesCarara, Palo Verde, Guanacaste and the dry forests around the Gulf of Nicoya.
February
Dry seasonFebruary combines good travel conditions on the Pacific with strong opportunities in the highlands. Start early in San Gerardo de Dota, Los Quetzales or Monteverde for quetzals, mountain hummingbirds and mixed flocks. In the lowlands, waterbirds and coastal species remain active while pools and lagoons still hold water.
Recommended placesLos Quetzales, San Gerardo de Dota, Monteverde and Palo Verde.
March
Transition to green seasonThe Pacific side is often still dry in March, although the first signs of the green season appear. Resident birds begin singing more strongly and activity around fruit trees increases in mountain forests. It is a good month to combine Carara or Monteverde with another region.
Recommended placesCarara, Monteverde, Arenal and the central mountain ranges.
April
Transition to green seasonApril is often a transition month on the Pacific side. The first showers bring fresh greenery and encourage singing, territorial behaviour and nest building. Quetzals remain interesting in the highlands, while dry-forest species become more active around water and flowering trees.
Recommended placesCarara, Guanacaste, Monteverde and the Arenal area.
May
Transition to green seasonAs the rainy season begins, the landscape quickly turns greener. Many resident species become territorial and are easiest to hear in the early morning. Around lodges and gardens, tanagers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and thrushes can be seen at close range, while mountain forests remain cool and misty.
Recommended placesMonteverde, Arenal, Sarapiquí and gardens in the Central Valley.
June
Green seasonJune is a strong month for anyone who wants to experience Costa Rica at its greenest. Mixed flocks are active in the rainforest, while birds move through several layers of the forest in cloud-forest habitats. Plan shorter walks in the morning and expect showers later in the day.
Recommended placesMonteverde, Braulio Carrillo, Arenal and Tortuguero.
July
Green seasonThe Pacific side can experience a short drier period in July. This sometimes creates an extra window for walks in Carara and Palo Verde, while the forest remains lush and green. The Caribbean side is often wetter, with good opportunities for forest birds along canals and woodland edges.
Recommended placesCarara, Palo Verde, Arenal and the Caribbean lowlands.
August
Green seasonFrom August onwards, raptor migration increases along the Caribbean slope. Groups can be seen riding thermals above clearings, mountain passes and coastal forests. Resident birds remain active in rainforest and mountain habitats. An itinerary combining Braulio Carrillo and Tortuguero offers several opportunities in one day.
Recommended placesBraulio Carrillo, the Caribbean slope, Tortuguero and Sarapiquí.
September
Fall migrationSeptember is an interesting month for combining raptor migration with tropical forest birding. Large numbers of migrants can pass above the Caribbean lowlands. Along the coast and in wetlands, increasing numbers of shorebirds, herons and other waterbirds also appear.
Recommended placesTortuguero, Sarapiquí, Braulio Carrillo and Caribbean viewpoints.
October
Fall migrationOctober is one of the most interesting months for visible migration in Costa Rica. Watch for groups of raptors above the Caribbean slope and search beaches, river mouths and lagoons for shorebirds. Trails can be muddy after rain, but the forest is at its lushest.
Recommended placesCaribbean coast, Tortuguero, Térraba-Sierpe and Palo Verde.
November
Fall migrationOn the Pacific side, drier periods gradually become more common in November. This makes Carara, Guanacaste and the Central Valley more appealing, while the last migrants may still be present. Highland weather remains changeable, and a local guide can help you find sheltered areas.
Recommended placesCarara, Guanacaste, Monteverde and the Central Valley.
December
Dry seasonDecember marks the start of the dry season in many regions. Roads and trails on the Pacific side are often easier to plan, and winter visitors from North America have returned. Combine a dry-forest destination with a highland location for a varied first species list.
Recommended placesCarara, Palo Verde, Monteverde, Los Quetzales and Arenal.
Seasonal information and destination examples: Visit Costa Rica, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and SINAC.
Birding areas in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has many bird-rich destinations, but this selection is especially useful for travellers who want to combine biodiversity, iconic species and easy access. The areas are spread across the country and represent different elevations, climate zones and landscapes. Always check current opening hours, access rules and road conditions with the official managing authority before you leave.
A classic destination for quetzals and cloud-forest birds
Monteverde’s trails pass through cool, humid forest filled with ferns, bromeliads and epiphytes. Start early, when the mist lifts and birds become active around fruiting trees. The reserve is excellent for quetzals, toucanets, bellbirds, tanagers and hummingbirds. Because of the terrain and dense vegetation, many species first appear as silhouettes or are heard before they come into view.
Volcanic slopes with forest at several elevations
Around La Fortuna, lowland forest, riverbanks, gardens and the slopes of Arenal come together. This makes it a practical destination for birdwatchers who want to see many species without constantly changing regions. Walk early along forest edges and quiet trails and look for toucans, motmots, jacamars, tanagers and hummingbirds. The volcano is often cloudy, but those humid conditions are ideal for forest birds.
Birdwatching from the water and along the forest edge
Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s most distinctive birding destinations. The combination of canals, lagoons, swamp forest and coast makes a boat trip especially productive. Watch kingfishers and herons along the banks, but keep scanning the canopy for toucans, woodpeckers and parrots. The area is wet, so a waterproof binocular cover and protection for your camera are well worth bringing.
One of the most convenient mountain areas from San José
Braulio Carrillo lies between the Central Valley and the Caribbean lowlands. The road over Zurquí Pass and accessible forest edges make it a logical stop at the beginning or end of a birding trip. Changes in elevation create different bird communities within a short distance. Scan the canopy patiently and listen for mixed flocks in the mist.
One of the best places to see scarlet macaws
Carara is popular because it is relatively easy to reach while protecting a remarkably rich transition between dry and humid forest. Early morning is ideal for noisy groups of scarlet macaws, as well as motmots, trogons, manakins and birds along the Tárcoles River. The trails can be hot and humid, so an early start makes a real difference.
Rainforest birds in one of Costa Rica’s wildest regions
Corcovado is harder to visit than Carara or Arenal, but the reward is an exceptional combination of lowland rainforest, rivers and coast. On the Osa Peninsula, you may see large groups of scarlet macaws, trogons, manakins and understorey species. Plan access carefully and allow for boat connections, long walks and sectors that cannot be reached without preparation.
Waterbirds, seasonal lagoons and dry forest in one destination
Palo Verde is a strong choice if you want to see large numbers of waterbirds. During the dry months, seasonal wetlands along the Tempisque River attract herons, storks, ibises, spoonbills and shorebirds. Combine the open wetlands with the nearby dry forest for motmots, woodpeckers and raptors. The sun can be intense, so start early and bring plenty of water.
The best-known route for anyone hoping to see a quetzal
The cool mountain forests around San Gerardo de Dota and Los Quetzales are among the best places to specifically search for the resplendent quetzal. Set out early and watch fruiting trees, listen for calls and scan movement in the canopy. Even without a quetzal, the area is rewarding for its many hummingbirds, tanagers and mountain species. Bring warm, waterproof clothing because the weather can change quickly.
Useful tips and information
Want to know when to visit Costa Rica, where to find a quetzal or scarlet macaw and how to combine the country’s main birding areas? Below you will find practical answers for birdwatchers planning to explore independently, as well as travellers organising their first birding trip through Costa Rica.
For a first birding trip, December through April is often practical on the Pacific side. The dry season usually brings more predictable mornings and makes areas such as Carara, Palo Verde and Guanacaste easy to combine. During this period, the highlands are also a good place to search for quetzals.
The green season from May through November has different advantages. The landscape is lush, resident birds are active with singing and breeding, and there are often fewer visitors. September and October are interesting for raptor migration along the Caribbean slope. Because weather varies considerably by coast and elevation, an itinerary covering several regions matters more than choosing one perfect month. Visit Costa Rica provides an overview of birding areas and seasonal information.
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute lists 925 bird species in an overview from 2020. This is a national figure, not the number you should expect in one national park. In practice, your species list depends on the combination of habitats, elevation, season, weather and the time you spend in each area.
For many visitors, the combination of habitats is exactly why Costa Rica is so appealing. An itinerary including Carara, Arenal, Tortuguero and Los Quetzales offers a very different birding experience from staying only in the Central Valley. Taxonomy and national bird lists can change, so use the figure as an indication of the country’s exceptional diversity. View the biodiversity figures from ICT Costa Rica.
San Gerardo de Dota and Los Quetzales National Park are the most focused choices for travellers visiting specifically for the resplendent quetzal. The cool Talamanca highlands provide suitable mountain forest and fruiting trees. Start early and search near places where wild laurels are producing fruit. A local guide often knows the calls, current fruiting trees and regular routes better than a first-time visitor.
Monteverde and the higher parts of the Cordillera Central are good alternatives. A sighting is never guaranteed, even in a well-known area. Plan more than one morning and enjoy other mountain species too, such as Fiery-throated hummingbird, Black guan and Northern emerald-toucanet. Costa Rica’s official birding guide highlights the main quetzal regions.
Carara National Park and the area around Tárcoles are among the best accessible places for many visitors hoping to see scarlet macaws. The birds often fly loudly over the forest or perch in tall trees along roads and rivers. Start early, when temperatures are cooler and birds are more active.
The Osa Peninsula and the area around Corcovado also support many scarlet macaws. There, you can combine the species with rainforest birds, but the logistics are more complicated. Never approach roosting or nesting sites too closely and do not use playback. Visit Costa Rica identifies Carara and Osa as important birding regions.
Independent birdwatching works well in accessible areas such as Carara, Arenal, Palo Verde, Monteverde and parts of the Central Valley. Even without a guide, you can see many common species, especially along forest edges, in gardens and near water. For canopy birds, secretive forest species and identifying calls, however, an experienced local guide can make a major difference.
In Tortuguero, boat and canoe routes are easier with someone who knows the area. Extra preparation is sensible for remote sectors of Corcovado. Check SINAC for current access rules, sectors, opening hours and any requirements for registration or guides.
Braulio Carrillo and the mountain road near Zurquí are logical choices for cloud forest and Caribbean-slope species. From the Central Valley, you can also travel to the Talamanca highlands for San Gerardo de Dota and Los Quetzales. Carara lies farther towards the Central Pacific and works well as a longer day trip or as a first stop on the way to the coast.
Allow for mountain roads, traffic and journey times that can change because of rain or roadworks. Leave early if you want to travel and birdwatch on the same day. Use the FaunaMap to select birding spots near your accommodation in advance, then check the official visitor information from the managing authority.
Bring binoculars with a waterproof cover or dry bag, a lightweight rain jacket, quick-drying clothes and shoes with good grip. Lightweight long trousers, insect repellent, sun protection and a cover for your phone or camera are practical in the lowlands and rainforest. In Monteverde and Los Quetzales, you will also need warm layers because mornings can be cool and misty.
Plan walks mainly in the morning and leave space in your schedule for showers. Bring spare batteries or a power bank and save field notes and maps offline. Stay on marked trails, do not touch nests or roosting sites and never use food or playback to bring birds closer.
In FaunaMap, you can find recent bird sightings in Costa Rica on an interactive map. Browse birding spots, hotspots and sightings, and see which species are expected at each location based on historical data. This is useful when you have an extra morning while travelling, want to compare destinations or plan a route around a particular target species.
Use the map alongside official information from nature reserve managers. Opening hours, access rules, road conditions and temporary closures can change locally. Explore birding areas and sightings in FaunaMap
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