Yes, many species of hummingbirds do spend the winter months in Costa Rica. The country’s tropical climate and abundance of flowering plants make it an ideal overwintering ground for migratory hummingbirds.
Why do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate for a few key reasons:
- Food availability – Many of the flowers and nectar sources hummingbirds rely on are not available year-round in their breeding grounds in North America. They migrate to follow the bloom of flowers and find a consistent food supply.
- Climate – Hummingbirds cannot survive cold winter temperatures and freezing conditions common in places like Canada and the northern United States. Their high metabolism requires consistent warm weather and food sources.
- Breeding – After spending the winter in tropical locales like Costa Rica, hummingbirds migrate north again in the spring to take advantage of long daylight hours for breeding opportunities.
What species of hummingbirds winter in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a critical overwintering ground for dozens of hummingbird species that breed in North America. Some of the most common species seen in Costa Rica during the winter months include:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and common hummingbird in eastern North America. Many migrate south through Mexico to spend winters along both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes in Costa Rica.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird breeds farther north than any other hummingbird, up into Alaska. It migrates through Mexico and Central America, with Costa Rica being a key overwintering destination.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
A common breeder in the western United States and Canada, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird migrates through Arizona and down the Pacific slope of Mexico to winter in Costa Rica’s central valley as well as along the Nicoya Peninsula.
Calliope Hummingbird
One of the smallest bird species in the world, the Calliope Hummingbird breeds in mountain areas of western North America and migrates through the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala to reach its Costa Rican wintering grounds.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbirds breeding along coastal California migrate south to winter in Costa Rica, primarily on the Nicoya Peninsula but also along the Caribbean lowlands.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Costa Rica?
The timing of hummingbird migration and arrival in Costa Rica depends on the species:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin arriving in Costa Rica in July and August.
- Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds start to arrive in August and September.
- Allen’s Hummingbirds arrive a bit later from September through early November.
- Calliope Hummingbirds are some of the last to arrive, typically in October and November.
Arrival times can vary slightly each year depending on weather patterns and resource availability along the migration routes.
What is the hummingbird population in Costa Rica?
It is estimated that around 50-60 species of hummingbirds migrate to and through Costa Rica each year. The total population fluctuates throughout the year as birds arrive and depart. At the height of winter, there are likely several million individual hummingbirds wintering in Costa Rica.
Some of the most abundant wintering hummingbird species and their approximate populations in Costa Rica include:
| Species | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 500,000 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 1,000,000 |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | 250,000 |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 750,000 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 100,000 |
These population estimates can fluctuate significantly depending on breeding success and habitat conditions each year.
Where do hummingbirds live in Costa Rica?
Hummingbirds wintering in Costa Rica can be found throughout the country but are especially concentrated in certain prime habitats and regions including:
Lowland gardens and forests
Backyard gardens, hotel grounds, and patches of forest along the Caribbean and North Pacific lowlands provide ideal habitat with plentiful nectar-producing flowers and plants. Hummingbirds often concentrate around lowland towns and resort areas.
Central Valley
The fertile Central Valley between Costa Rica’s major mountain ranges has extensive agricultural lands, scattered woodlands, and many gardens that attract hummingbirds.
Pacific slope
Hummingbirds frequent the many flowering trees and shrubs along the Pacific slope up to middle elevations, especially on the Nicoya Peninsula and Osa Peninsula.
Low to mid-elevation forests
Hummingbirds often feed and shelter along forest edges, riverbanks, and gaps throughout the tropical lowland rainforests and drier forests up to around 3,000 feet in elevation.
What do hummingbirds eat in Costa Rica?
Hummingbirds have a diet dominated by nectar, sap, and small insects while spending the winter in Costa Rica. Some key food sources include:
- Nectar – from flowers of banana, heliconia, ginger, columnea, fuchsia, and many other tropical plants
- Sap – holes drilled in trees by woodpeckers provide sap that hummingbirds drink
- Insects – small spiders and insects provide essential proteins
- Sugar feeders – commercial nectar feeders at homes, hotels, and lodges supplement natural food sources
Access to a consistent supply of nectar from blooming flowers and other food sources is one reason Costa Rica makes such an attractive winter destination for hummingbirds.
Where are the best places to see hummingbirds in Costa Rica?
Some top spots in Costa Rica to observe wintering hummingbirds include:
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Hummingbirds abound on the verdant trails and gardens of this famous ecotourism destination in the mountainous Tilaran Highlands.
Santa Elena Reserve
Over 15 species of hummingbirds have been recorded along the trails of this reserve near Monteverde.
Selvatura Park
Hanging bridges and lush gardens host many hummingbirds near Monteverde.
Tropical Gardens B&B
A bed and breakfast near Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean coast renowned for its 30+ visiting hummingbird species.
Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge
This Pacific coast lodge attracts hummingbirds to its spectacular gardens and forest trails.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Extensive ornamental gardens and trails near Volcan Poas host incredible diversity and numbers of hummingbirds.
Santa Rosa National Park
Dry forests along the edge of Santa Rosa harbor good numbers of wintering hummingbirds.
Anywhere with nectar feeders!
Even hotels, lodges, and homes with nectar feeders can attract many species of wintering hummingbirds in Costa Rica.
Conclusion
With its tropical climate and wealth of flower resources, Costa Rica provides critical wintering habitat for millions of hummingbirds that breed in North America. Dozens of species arrive beginning in midsummer and remain until returning north in early spring. The best places to observe hummingbirds are typically wildlife reserves, mountain lodges, and lowland gardens that provide places for the birds to feed and shelter during their stay.
