Costa Rica has many things to offer, vegan food, beautiful beaches, and wonderful people it is also home to a staggering number of bird species, with over 900 species recorded in the country. With such a rich diversity of birdlife, it's no surprise that Costa Rica is a popular destination for birdwatchers from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, there are plenty of places in Costa Rica where you can spot a wide variety of bird species. Here are some of the best places to watch birds in Costa Rica:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: This reserve is a must-visit for any birder traveling to Costa Rica. The cloud forest habitat is home to over 400 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, and the emerald toucanet. There are several well-marked trails throughout the reserve that offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• La Selva Biological Station: Located in the Caribbean lowlands, this research station is home to over 400 species of birds, including toucans, parrots, and tanagers. The station offers guided birdwatching tours, as well as lodging for overnight visitors.
• Carara National Park: This park is located on the Pacific coast and is home to a variety of bird species, including scarlet macaws, toucans, and motmots. There are several well-marked trails throughout the park, and birdwatchers can also take a boat tour of the Tarcoles River to spot waterbirds such as herons and kingfishers.
• Palo Verde National Park: This park is located in the northwestern part of the country and is home to over 300 species of birds, including the jabiru stork, the northern jacana, and the osprey. The park's wetlands provide habitat for a variety of waterbirds, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
• Wilson Botanical Garden: This garden is located in the southern part of the country and is home to over 300 species of birds, including several species of hummingbirds, tanagers, and trogons. The garden offers guided birdwatching tours, as well as lodging for overnight visitors.
• San Gerardo de Dota: This small town in the Talamanca Mountains is home to several species of hummingbirds, including the fiery-throated hummingbird and the violet sabrewing. There are several lodges in the area that cater to birdwatchers, and guided tours can be arranged to explore the area's birdlife.
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens: This eco-park is located near the Poas Volcano and is home to over 100 species of birds, including toucans, hummingbirds, and tanagers. The park's well-maintained trails offer excellent birdwatching opportunities, and there are also several hummingbird feeders located throughout the park.

A map of major locations for birds watching in Costa Rica

Bird watching in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Any travel planner to Costa Rica will tell you that Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most popular birdwatching destinations in Costa Rica. The reserve is home to over 400 species of birds, many of which are endemic to the region. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to spot a wide variety of bird species in the reserve. Here are some of the birds you can see in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve:

• Resplendent Quetzal: The resplendent quetzal is one of the most iconic birds of Costa Rica and is often at the top of many birders' must-see lists. These stunning birds are found in the cloud forest habitat of Monteverde and are often seen perched in the canopy of the forest. The male is particularly striking, with bright green and red feathers and a long tail. To spot a quetzal, listen for their distinctive call and keep an eye out for their bright plumage in the treetops.

• Three-wattled Bellbird: Another iconic bird of the Monteverde cloud forest is the three-wattled bellbird. These birds are named for their distinctive call, which sounds like a loud, metallic "bonk". The males have three wattles on their beaks that they use to amplify their calls. To spot a bellbird, listen for their call and look for their distinctive silhouette in the treetops.
• Emerald Toucanet: The emerald toucanet is a small toucan species that is found in the cloud forest habitat of Monteverde. These birds have bright green feathers and a distinctive black and white beak. They are often seen perched in the canopy of the forest or flying between trees. To spot an emerald toucanet, look for their bright green plumage and listen for their distinctive calls.
• Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush: This species of thrush is found in the cloud forest habitat of Monteverde and is known for its beautiful song. These birds are often seen hopping along the forest floor or perched in low vegetation. To spot a nightingale-thrush, listen for their song and keep an eye out for their distinctive slate-gray back.
• Black Guan: The black guan is a large, turkey-like bird that is found in the cloud forest habitat of Monteverde. These birds have black feathers and a distinctive red wattle on their beaks. They are often seen perched in the treetops or foraging on the forest floor. To spot a black guan, listen for their calls and look for their distinctive silhouette in the trees.

La Selva Biological Station

La Selva Biological Station is a world-renowned research station and ecotourism destination located in the northeastern part of Costa Rica. The station is situated in the heart of the lowland rainforest and is home to an incredibly diverse array of bird species. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a casual observer, La Selva is a fantastic place to spot some of Costa Rica's most unique and beautiful bird species. Here are some of the birds you can see in La Selva Biological Station:

• Great Green Macaw: The great green macaw is a large, colorful parrot that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. These birds have bright green feathers and a distinctive red patch on their wings. They are often seen flying overhead or perched in the treetops. To spot a great green macaw, listen for their loud calls and keep an eye out for their distinctive plumage.
• Keel-billed Toucan: The keel-billed toucan is one of the most recognizable bird species in Central America. These birds have a large, colorful bill and a distinctive black and white plumage. They are often seen perched in the canopy of the forest or flying between trees. To spot a keel-billed toucan, look for their distinctive bill and listen for their calls.
• Black-mandibled Toucan: The black-mandibled toucan is another toucan species that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. These birds have a large, colorful bill and a distinctive black and yellow plumage. They are often seen perched in the canopy of the forest or flying between trees. To spot a black-mandibled toucan, look for their distinctive bill and listen for their calls.
• Chestnut-mandibled Toucan: The chestnut-mandibled toucan is a smaller toucan species that is found in the lowland rainforests of Central America. These birds have a large, colorful bill and a distinctive chestnut-colored plumage. They are often seen perched in the canopy of the forest or flying between trees. To spot a chestnut-mandibled toucan, look for their distinctive bill and listen for their calls.
• Montezuma Oropendola: The Montezuma oropendola is a large, colorful bird that is found in the lowland rainforests of Central America. These birds have a distinctive black and yellow plumage and a long, curved beak. They are often seen perched in the treetops or flying between trees. To spot a Montezuma oropendola, look for their distinctive plumage and listen for their calls.

Carara National Park

Carara National Park is a 4,700-hectare protected area located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. The park is home to a diverse range of habitats, including primary and secondary rainforests, mangrove swamps, and rivers. This unique combination of habitats makes Carara a prime destination for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds recorded in the park. Here are some of the birds you can see in Carara National Park:

• Scarlet Macaw: The Scarlet Macaw is a large, brightly colored parrot that is found throughout the rainforests of Central and South America. These birds have bright red, blue, and yellow feathers and a long, curved beak. In Carara National Park, scarlet macaws can often be seen flying overhead in pairs or small groups.
• Turquoise-browed Motmot: The Turquoise-browed Motmot is a colorful bird that is found in Central America. These birds have a distinctive turquoise-colored stripe above their eyes and a long, racket-shaped tail. In Carara National Park, the motmot can often be seen perched on branches or flying between trees.
• Boat-billed Heron: The Boat-billed Heron is a unique bird that is found in wetlands and mangrove swamps throughout Central and South America. These birds have a distinctive, boat-shaped bill and a grayish-brown plumage. In Carara National Park, Boat-billed Herons can often be seen fishing in the rivers and streams that run through the park.
• Chestnut-backed Antbird: The Chestnut-backed Antbird is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. These birds have a distinctive chestnut-colored back and a black head and tail. In Carara National Park, the Chestnut-backed Antbird can often be seen foraging on the forest floor.
• Long-tailed Manakin: The Long-tailed Manakin is a small, colorful bird that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. These birds have a bright green and black plumage and a distinctive long, thin tail. In Carara National Park, Long-tailed Manakins can often be seen performing their unique courtship dances in the forest understory.

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park is a 45,492-acre protected area located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. The park is situated on the banks of the Tempisque River and is a critical wetland habitat for migratory and resident bird species. Here are some of the birds you can see in Palo Verde National Park:

• Wood Stork: The Wood Stork is a large, wading bird that is found throughout the wetlands of Central and South America. These birds have a distinctive bald head and a long, downcurved bill. In Palo Verde National Park, Wood Storks can often be seen wading through the shallow waters of the river in search of fish and other prey.
• Roseate Spoonbill: The Roseate Spoonbill is a striking bird with pink and white plumage and a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. These birds are found in wetland habitats throughout the Americas. In Palo Verde National Park, Roseate Spoonbills can often be seen wading in the shallow waters of the river.
• Great Curassow: The Great Curassow is a large, ground-dwelling bird that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. These birds have a distinctive black plumage and a bright yellow knob on their bill. In Palo Verde National Park, Great Curassows can often be seen foraging on the forest floor.
• White-throated Magpie-Jay: The White-throated Magpie-Jay is a colorful bird that is found in the dry forests of Central America. These birds have a distinctive blue and white plumage and a long, blue tail. In Palo Verde National Park, White-throated Magpie-Jays can often be seen foraging for food in the forest canopy.
• Black-bellied Whistling Duck: The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is a medium-sized duck with a distinctive black belly and white wing patches. These ducks are found in wetland habitats throughout the Americas. In Palo Verde National Park, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks can often be seen swimming in the river or resting on the riverbanks.

Wilson Botanical Garden

Wilson Botanical Garden, located in the southern region of Costa Rica, is a 240-acre garden that is home to a diverse range of bird species. The garden is surrounded by rainforest and is situated in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains. Here are some of the bird species you can see in Wilson Botanical Garden:

• Resplendent Quetzal
• Yellow-thighed Finch: The Yellow-thighed Finch is a small bird with bright yellow thighs and a greenish-brown back. These birds are found in the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama. In Wilson Botanical Garden, Yellow-thighed Finches can often be spotted flitting around the garden's flowering trees.
• Slaty-tailed Trogon: The Slaty-tailed Trogon is a medium-sized bird with a bright red belly and a blue-green back. These birds are found in the rainforests of Central America. In Wilson Botanical Garden, Slaty-tailed Trogons can often be spotted perching on branches or flying through the forest canopy.
• Great Kiskadee: The Great Kiskadee is a large, noisy bird with a distinctive black and white head and a bright yellow belly. These birds are found in a wide variety of habitats throughout Central and South America. In Wilson Botanical Garden, Great Kiskadees can often be spotted perching on trees or flying overhead.
• White-collared Manakin: The White-collared Manakin is a small bird with bright green plumage and a white collar around its neck. These birds are found in the rainforests of Central and South America. In Wilson Botanical Garden, White-collared Manakins can often be spotted performing their distinctive courtship dance in the forest understory.

San Gerardo de Dota

San Gerardo de Dota is a small town located in the Talamanca Mountain Range in Costa Rica. The town is known for its beautiful cloud forests, scenic rivers, and, most importantly, its rich birdlife. Here are some of the bird species you can see in San Gerardo de Dota:

• Resplendent Quetzal
• Fiery-throated Hummingbird: The Fiery-throated Hummingbird is a small bird with iridescent green plumage and a bright red throat. These birds are found in the highland forests of Central America. In San Gerardo de Dota, Fiery-throated Hummingbirds can often be spotted feeding on the nectar of flowering trees.
• Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush: The Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush is a medium-sized bird with a slate-grey back and a rusty-orange belly. These birds are found in the cloud forests of Central and South America. In San Gerardo de Dota, Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrushes can often be spotted singing from the understory of the forest.
• Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher: The Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher is a stunning bird with a glossy blue-black head and bright orange-yellow underparts. These birds are found in the highland forests of Central America. In San Gerardo de Dota, Long-tailed Silky-flycatchers can often be spotted foraging in fruiting trees.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a popular eco-tourism destination in Costa Rica, located near the Poás Volcano. The area is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. Here are some of the bird species you can see in La Paz Waterfall Gardens:

• Resplendent Quetzal
• Keel-billed Toucan: The Keel-billed Toucan is a large bird species with a colorful bill. These birds are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. In La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Keel-billed Toucans can often be spotted perching on trees or flying overhead.
• Red-legged Honeycreeper: The Red-legged Honeycreeper is a small bird with bright blue and green plumage and red legs. These birds are found in the forests of Central and South America. In La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Red-legged Honeycreepers can often be spotted feeding on the nectar of flowering trees.
• Blue-gray Tanager: The Blue-gray Tanager is a small bird with blue-gray plumage and a black mask. These birds are found in the forests of Central and South America. In La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Blue-gray Tanagers can often be spotted foraging in fruiting trees.
• Sunbittern: The Sunbittern is a medium-sized bird with striking black and white wing patterns. These birds are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. In La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Sunbitterns can often be spotted perching on rocks or logs near waterfalls.

More resources about bird watching in Costa Rica

• Costa Rica Birding: This website provides information about birding tours, birding hotspots, and bird species in Costa Rica. They also offer a birding checklist and a blog with articles about birding in Costa Rica.
• Asociación Ornitólogica de Costa Rica (AOCR): This is the Costa Rican Ornithological Association, which aims to promote the study and conservation of birds in Costa Rica. Their website includes information about birding events, bird identification resources, and conservation efforts.
• eBird: This is a global birding database where birders can log their sightings and contribute to citizen science efforts. The eBird website includes a map of bird sightings in Costa Rica, as well as a species checklist and a tool for finding birding hotspots.
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: This is a leading institution for bird research and conservation, and their website includes a wealth of information about bird identification, behavior, and conservation efforts. They also have a Neotropical Birds section with information about bird species in Central and South America, including Costa Rica.
• Costa Rica Tourism Board: This website provides general information about travel to Costa Rica, including information about eco-tourism and wildlife viewing. They also have a blog with articles about birding and other outdoor activities in Costa Rica.

I hope these resources are helpful for you in planning your birding trip to Costa Rica!