Costa Rica is a country renowned for its stunning biodiversity and abundance of hummingbird species. With over 50 species recorded, Costa Rica has more species of hummingbirds than the entire United States and Canada combined. The wide variety of habitats, from lowland rainforests to high elevation cloud forests, provides ideal conditions for numerous hummingbird species.
Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas. Their diminutive size, stunning iridescent colors, and incredible flying abilities make them one of the most popular and fascinating bird groups on earth. Costa Rica’s position between North and South America makes it a critical migration corridor and home to both tropical and temperate hummingbird species.
The smallest bird in the world, the Bee Hummingbird, is found in Costa Rica. Many of the most spectacular and sought after tropical hummingbirds also occur in the country, like the Violet Sabrewing, Green Thorntail, and Violet-crowned Woodnymph. Costa Rica is a top destination for birders and ecotourists hoping to observe a diversity of hummingbird species.
Major Habitats
Costa Rica can be divided into major habitat types that are home to different hummingbird communities:
Lowland Rainforest
Found on the Caribbean lowlands and in the southern Pacific region, these forests harbor many rare and range restricted species. The White-crested Coquette, Green-breasted Mango, and Snowy-bellied Hummingbird are found mainly in Caribbean rainforest.
Cloud Forest
At high elevations on mountain slopes with frequent mist and cloud cover, these humid forests support specialized hummingbirds. The Fiery-throated Hummingbird and Magnificent Hummingbird are Costa Rican cloud forest specialists.
Dry Forest
In the dry northwest, species like the Cinnamon Hummingbird and Plain-capped Starthroat inhabit deciduous forests and scrublands. Seasonal flowering in the dry forest drives migration.
Mangroves
Along the Pacific coast, mangrove forests provide habitat for the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird.
Notable Species
Here are some of the most spectacular and interesting hummingbirds found in Costa Rica:
Violet Sabrewing
The largest hummingbird in Costa Rica, the Violet Sabrewing is found in wet highland forest. The female has a deeply forked violet and black tail.
Snowcap
The smallest Central American hummingbird, the Snowcap is restricted to high elevation forest in the Talamanca Mountains. The male is snow white with a red bill.
Fiery-throated Hummingbird
With an iridescent red throat patch, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird lives along the Costa Rican and Panamanian cordillera.
Green-breasted Mango
This striking hummingbird has a violet head, green breast, and diagnostic white tips on the tail feathers. It occurs on the Caribbean slope.
Scintillant Hummingbird
Widely distributed, the Scintillant Hummingbird is aptly named for its dazzling, scintillating plumage. The male has a purple crown and throat.
Endangered Species
Habitat loss threatens some specialized hummingbird species. Two endangered hummingbirds are found only in southwest Costa Rica:
Mangrove Hummingbird
As its name implies, this species is restricted to mangrove habitat. With a limited global population, it is vulnerable to mangrove clearing.
Black-crested Coquette
The rarest Costa Rican hummingbird, the Black-crested Coquette is critically endangered. Fewer than 150 individuals remain due to lowland forest loss.
Seasonal Abundance
Hummingbirds are present year round in Costa Rica, but some species migrate or display seasonal movement based on flowering cycles:
- Dry season (January-April) – Dry forest species expand ranges
- Early wet season (May-July) – Lowland forest species abundant
- Late wet season (September-November) – Flowering peaks in highlands
Some hummingbird species are easier to observe during certain times of year when flowering is at its peak. Consult local ecolodges or guides to target the best season for finding sought-after hummingbird species.
Hummingbird Diversity by Region
The number and diversity of hummingbirds varies by habitat type and geographic region in Costa Rica:
| Region | # of Species | Notable Species |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest | 18 | Cinnamon Hummingbird, Canivet’s Emerald |
| North Caribbean | 27 | Green-breasted Mango, White-necked Jacobin |
| Northeast Caribbean | 16 | Green Thorntail, Violet-crowned Woodnymph |
| South Caribbean | 22 | Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Scaly-breasted Hummingbird |
| Central Pacific | 33 | Violet Sabrewing, Green Thorntail |
| South Pacific | 18 | Mangrove Hummingbird, Blue-throated Goldentail |
As the table shows, the Caribbean slope and central Pacific region boast the highest hummingbird diversities, while species counts decline at the northwest and southern extremes of Costa Rica.
Total Species Count
In total, 51 species of hummingbirds have been recorded in Costa Rica. The exact number varies as taxonomic changes occur. New hummingbird species also continue to be identified in the country. For example, the Talamanca Hummingbird was newly described in 2017 from the Costa Rican highlands.
While 51 hummingbirds have been documented, only around 20-25 species are likely to be encountered at any one locality. Still, with a little effort, a variety of dazzling hummingbirds can be observed on a visit to Costa Rica.
Hummingbird Hotspots
Some top destinations for finding a range of hummingbird species are:
- La Selva Biological Reserve – Lowland rainforest with nearby Braulio Carrillo National Park
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Misty cloud forest habitat
- Santa Rosa National Park – Dry forest with many specialty species
- San Vito area – Talamanca and La Amistad mountain forests
- Carara National Park – Transition zone with species from both slopes
Private lodges and reserves adjacent to national parks also provide excellent hummingbird viewing opportunities. Offering feeders and flowering plants to attract hummingbirds, some lodges may record up to 20 species at one time!
Migration
Most Costa Rican hummingbirds are resident species that breed in the country. However, some hummingbirds pass through Costa Rica on annual migrations between North and South America:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This widespread North American species winters in Costa Rica and is easily observed at feeders.
Rufous Hummingbird
The most common migrant, the Rufous Hummingbird breeds in western North America and Alaska, wintering in Mexico and Central America.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbirds nest along the Pacific Coast before migrating south to Mexico and Costa Rica for winter.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Breeding in the western U.S., some Broad-tailed Hummingbirds travel as far as Costa Rica for the northern winter.
These long distance migrant hummingbirds join the remarkable diversity of Costa Rican specialty species for a unique seasonal mingling of northern and southern hummingbirds.
History and Conservation
Hummingbirds have played an important role in Mesoamerican culture, reflected in Costa Rican folklore, songs, and indigenous art. Continued habitat protection is crucial for maintaining thriving hummingbird populations and access to these special birds.
New species remain to be discovered, especially in remote mountains. Supporting field research and preserving high quality habitat helps ensure Costa Rica continues to harbor one of the richest hummingbird faunas on the planet.
Conclusion
With over 50 species recorded, Costa Rica is truly a hummingbird mecca. A diversity of habitat types from mangroves to mountaintop cloud forests allows so many hummingbirds to coexist. Spectacular endemic species mingle with long-distance migrants for an unforgettable experience. Costa Rica offers any hummingbird lover easy access to a myriad of these colorful, energetic birds.
