With more than 850 species of resident and migrant birds identified throughout Costa Rica, bird-watching in this country is an extraordinary activity. Why there are so many birds? Over 60 million years ago, before Costa Rica even existed, the North American continent extended down to where we currently find Nicaragua, which was then a tropical peninsula. Fifty million years ago, an intense process of volcanism and tectonic lifting started forming islands between North America and South America. From 3 to 5 million years ago, a complete isthmus was formed, making possible the migration of species from the mainland to these islands. One of the biggest islands is the Talamanca Mountain Range, which heads southeast into western Panama.
About 350 species of birds including migrants can potentially be observed Manuel Antonio and the surrounding area extending to Quepos and the local airstrip. The majority of its bird life is to be found in the forest. It is very easy to spot pairs of parakeets, different types of hummingbirds, scarlet-rumped, blue-gray, golden-hooded, yellow-crowned, thick-billed euphonias and many others. The best time to see this wide variety of birds is during the green season from May to November. During any season, it is recommended to leave very early in the morning, which is the best time to observe the birds.
In order to get the best out of a birding experience on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it is advised to have a professional birding guide, who will maximize your bird sightings by taking you to the right spots for bird watching and pointing out the birds.
The Birdwatchers of Manuel Antonio Estates have studied the observation of birds and can recognize them by eyes, ears or through a visual enhancement device like binoculars. Their depth of birding knowledge will answer all of your questions and leave you very satisfied.
Private birdwatching tours can take part in 2 different places:
Manuel Antonio National Park, a birds paradise!
Manuel Antonio National Park was established in 1972. The inhabitants of the area decided to preserve it for future generations because of its beautiful biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Although it is the country’s smallest national park, it is prized and privileged for its stunning geography, and the beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares and 55,000 hectares of marine area. This is also the most visited park in Costa Rica with over 275,000 tourists a year. The abundance of wildlife on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica has often been compared to the Amazon basin.
The park protects areas of primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, beach vegetation and marine life. It is located in between two different types of forests, the tropical wet and the tropical dry, giving the park an unusual diversity of species. Manuel Antonio is a small biological island which contains a charming combination of rainforest, beaches, coral reefs and a diversity of birds, and connects to the local rivers leading to central valley corridor all the way to the Atlantic ocean.
Two hundred and seventy species including migrants, can potentially be observed in the park. During the birdwatching tour, your guide will show you brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, Turquoise-browed Motmot, toucans, sparrows, and many others. During the ea Save rly hike you can usually see monkeys, sloths and other different mammals as well. Come and join us for a fascinating nature experience!
Palma Pacifica – Discover the rainforest surrounding Quepos and Manuel Antonio!
Palmas Pacifica property is located 2km on the quiet outskirts of Quepos, surrounded by the primary and secondary forest. The area offers the uniquely breathtaking fusion of scenic mountain beauty and an active lifestyle. Here, people will have the chance to see toucans, flycatchers, falcons, MotMot, stripe-throated hermit, orange chimed parakeets and many other exotic birds feasting on tropical fruit trees. This is the best place to observe the abundant sorts of birds due to the quite impressive primary and second growth forests. The trails are large and it is possible to observe the birds flying or simply resting next to a little pond.
Let one of our experienced guides take you on a spectacular walk to see some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful species of birds!
Birdwatching in Costa Rica is more than a experience! Enjoy it!