Beautiful BIRDS of Costa Rica

Where Heaven on Earth Continues Skyward

To fully appreciate that Costa Rica has no clear boundaries defining where heaven on earth begins or ends, you need to look skyward. If this tiny country's claim to fame as one of the world's most biodiverse locales were not impressive enough, consider that its bird population is disproportionately even greater.

With a land surface of 51,100 square kilometers, Costa RIca occupies merely 0.03% of the earth's surface but contains more than 5% of the planet's biodiversity. Even more astonishing is Costa Rica's 9% share of the 10,000 or so bird species in the global skies.

At last count, the number added up to 923 species, according to the 2021 official bird list published by the Costa Rican Rare Birds and Records Committee of the Asociación Ornitológica de Costa Rica (AOCR). That includes about 650 “resident” species, known to reproduce in Costa Rica and possible to find here at any time of the year and 220 in a defined migratory category.

To the delight of our readers over the years, Howler has been fortunate to count many bird enthusiasts among the nature-loving writers and photographers who generously share their knowledge and memorable sightings of feathered friends. One of our most prolific and versatile contributors is Tom Schultz, an avid birder and member of the Birding Club of Costa Rica. So it's not surprising that birding excursions figure prominently in Tom's travelogue contributions. In addition, Tom has contributed an ever-growing number of Creature Feature articles about specific birds that reward “life-list” keepers with sightings on treks throughout Costa Rica.

Here are a few iconic favorites that Howler has been pleased to feature for serious bird nerds and casual admirers alike.