With over 50 species of hummingbirds, Costa Rica is often considered a paradise for these colorful little birds. The diversity of hummingbird species found in Costa Rica is truly exceptional, rivaling famous hummingbird hotspots like Ecuador and Colombia. In this article, we’ll explore why Costa Rica is such a hummingbird haven and highlight some of the most spectacular hummingbird species that call this Central American nation home.
Why Does Costa Rica Have So Many Hummingbird Species?
There are several key reasons why Costa Rica boasts such an incredible diversity and abundance of hummingbirds:
- Tropical location – Sitting between 10 and 11 degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica’s tropical climate is ideal for hummingbirds.
- Habitat diversity – Costa Rica contains a wide range of habitats including cloud forests, rainforests, dry forests, mangroves and more, supporting many niche-adapted hummingbird species.
- Floral abundance – There is an amazing array of flowering plants in Costa Rica to provide nectar for hummingbirds year-round.
- Migration hotspot – Costa Rica is situated right in the path of major north-south hummingbird migration routes between North and South America.
- Conservation – Costa Rica has invested heavily in habitat conservation, protecting vital hummingbird habitats.
The combination of these key factors makes Costa Rica one of the premier destinations in the world to see a dazzling diversity of hummingbird species in one place.
Where to See Hummingbirds in Costa Rica
The best places to observe hummingbirds in Costa Rica include:
- La Selva Biological Station – Lowland rainforest with 20+ hummingbird species.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest – High elevation cloud forest with resplendent quetzals and hummingbirds.
- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge – Wetlands and woodlands where migratory hummingbirds congregate.
- Santa Rosa and Guanacaste National Parks – Dry forest habitat with unique hummingbirds.
- Mid-elevation coffee plantations – Fruit feeders draw in many hummingbird species.
- Hotel feeders – Lodges often have feeders that attract a variety of dazzling hummingbirds.
Essentially anywhere in Costa Rica that provides the right habitat, flowers, and food sources will be home to numerous hummingbird species. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds in gardens, along forest edges, and even right in urban areas.
Notable Costa Rican Hummingbird Species
Here are some of the most spectacular and sought-after hummingbird species that call Costa Rica home:
Resplendent Quetzal
With its vibrant green body and crimson breast, the resplendent quetzal is one of the most beautiful birds in the world. While not technically a hummingbird, it is part of the same family and shares many traits. Costa Rica’s high elevation cloud forests like Monteverde and Cerro de la Muerte are among the best places to see this spectacular creature.
Violet Sabrewing
The largest hummingbird in Costa Rica, the violet sabrewing has a blue-violet head and gorget (throat patch) along with a curved black bill. They are most often found along forest edges up to 2500m elevation.
Green-crowned Brilliant
A large and stunning hummingbird with an emerald green back and brilliant blue-green crown. It has a white breast with a forked black tail. Found in various habitats from sea level up to 1500m elevation.
Violet-crowned Woodnymph
The male of this species has a stunning violet-blue crown, while the female has a green crown. They use their long, decurved bill to feed from flowers high in the forest canopy. Found up to 1800m elevation along the Caribbean slope.
Green-breasted Mango
With its fiery orange bill and bright green head and breast, the aptly named green-breasted mango is a tropical stunner. They are common at feeders and in gardens on both the Pacific and Caribbean slopes.
White-necked Jacobin
This hummingbird gets its name from the bright white feathers on its neck. The male has an iridescent blue-green head and tail, while the female has a gray head and rufous tail. Found up to 1200m in various habitats.
Black-crested Coquette
The male coquette has a distinctive black crest and bright red bill. Females lack the crest but have bold white markings on the face. They are found along the Caribbean slope and north Pacific region.
Scintillant Hummingbird
As its name suggests, this tiny hummingbird seems to scintillate as it flies, showing off its magenta-red gorget against a dark green body. Found from middle elevations to the timberline.
Purple-throated Mountain-gem
With its glittering violet throat and contrasting white breast, the aptly named mountain-gem is a jewel of the highlands above 2400m in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains.
Why is Costa Rica a Hummingbird Paradise?
After exploring some of Costa Rica’s spectacular hummingbirds, it’s clear this country is a true paradise for these aerial acrobats. The reasons Costa Rica is so ideal for hummingbirds include:
- Prime location on a narrow land bridge between North and South America, perfectly positioned in the path of hummingbird migrations and with floral resources available year-round.
- Tropical climate and abundant rainfall providing ideal conditions for flowering plants that hummingbirds depend on for food.
- Diverse habitats from mangroves to cloud forests, each supporting specialized hummingbird species.
- Plentiful food sources from wildflowers to feeders provide year-round nutrition for resident and migratory hummingbird populations.
- Strict habitat protection in national parks and reserves keeps essential hummingbird habitat intact.
- Thriving ecotourism focused on observing hummingbirds and other wildlife.
For any birder or nature enthusiast, a visit to Costa Rica is sure to be a hummingbird extravaganza! Seeing two dozen species in a single day is not unheard of in the right habitat. With knowledgeable local guides and lodges catering to hummingbird lovers, it’s easy to maximize sightings of these magical birds on a visit to Costa Rica.
Best Time of Year to See Hummingbirds in Costa Rica
One great thing about Costa Rica’s tropical climate is that hummingbirds can be found year-round. However, there are certain times of year that are better than others for seeing these speedy birds. Here’s an overview of hummingbird spotting by season:
Dry Season (December to April)
The dry season is peak tourist season in Costa Rica, and a great time for hummingbird watching. Drier conditions force hummingbirds to congregate around scarce flower and nectar sources. Resident birds are active at feeders, and winter migrants arrive from North America. Lower rainfall provides plenty of sunny days ideal for birdwatching.
Green Season (May to July)
As rains pick up, flowers bloom and hummingbirds spread out across the countryside again. Migrants heading north from South America join Costa Rica’s resident species for a real spectacle of diversity during these months. Observing hummingbird courtship displays is common.
Wet Season (August to November)
The wettest time of year with frequent downpours. Hummingbirds may be harder to spot with reduced flowering and increased insect activity providing ample food. But determined birders can still find hummingbirds feeding between the rains. If weather clears, late August to October can be an exciting time to see southbound migrants flooding into Costa Rica.
Key Migration and Breeding Times
- December to March: North American winter migrants present.
- March to May: Resident Costa Rican species breeding.
- July to October: Southbound migrants arriving from Mexico and North America.
- August to November: Migrants from South America moving through Costa Rica.
With hummingbirds present year-round, there’s no bad time to look for them in Costa Rica. But scheduling a trip to coincide with key migration and breeding periods will provide the greatest diversity of species.
Top Hummingbird Conservation Threats in Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is a stand-out for hummingbird conservation, some threats put pressure on populations of these treasured birds, including:
- Habitat loss: Deforestation, urbanization, and land conversion for agriculture destroys essential hummingbird habitat.
- Climate change: Changing rainfall patterns and temperatures may mismatch timing of flowering and migrations.
- Invasive species: Introduced insects, plants, and competing bird species can harm native hummingbird populations.
- Nest predation: By snakes, monkeys, and other wildlife reduces reproductive success.
- Pesticides: Chemical use reduces insect prey populations and can poison hummingbirds.
The good news is Costa Rica has strong habitat protections, and ecotourism incentivizes further hummingbird conservation. But continued vigilance is needed to preserve populations of these special birds into the future.
Unique Ways to See Hummingbirds in Costa Rica
In addition to staples like forest hikes, feeders, and garden viewing areas, some unique ways to observe hummingbirds in Costa Rica include:
- Aerial trams like the Rainforest Aerial Tram give a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy hummingbirds frequent.
- Zip lining and canopy bridges allow you to view hummingbirds at treetop level.
- Understory photography hides let you disappear into the forest and capture close-up views.
- Blacklighting trips after dark reveal the iridescent colors of nocturnal hummingbirds like Swallow-tailed Hummingbird.
- High speed camera setups freeze hummingbird wingbeats to reveal details.
The diversity of hummingbird behaviors, from mating dances, to chasing rivals, to tending nests can provide endless entertainment if you observe them long enough. Taking advantage of these unique viewing opportunities will give you memories to cherish long after leaving Costa Rica.
Fascinating Hummingbird Behaviors to Watch For in Costa Rica
Here are some of the most captivating hummingbird behaviors to watch for on a trip to Costa Rica:
- Courtship displays – Males perform elaborate dives and climbs, shuttle displays, and other moves to impress females.
- Territorial battles – Competing males will fight to defend flower and feeder territories, even chasing much larger birds.
- Nest building – Using spiderwebs and lichens, females intricately craft tiny nests on branches.
- Hover feeding – Hummingbirds can precisely hover and extend their tongues into flowers.
- Buzz pollination – Some species vibrate up to 130 times/second to release pollen.
- Bathing – Hummingbirds splash in water flows and rain to keep their feathers clean.
In addition to these behaviors, watching daily cycles from dawn feeding to evening roosting reveals the non-stop lifestyle hummingbirds lead. With so much activity condensed into such tiny creatures, hummingbirds exhibit some of the most fascinating behaviors in the animal kingdom.
Conclusion
For hummingbird enthusiasts, Costa Rica is a must-visit paradise. The diversity and sheer abundance of hummingbird species, along with plentiful observation opportunities, make this country a spectacular destination for seeing these flying jewels. As habitat and climate pressures mount in the future, the commitment of Costa Ricans to conservation will ensure this hummingbird haven persists. Supporting ecotourism focused on sustainable practices will be key to safeguarding populations of these captivating birds. Your visit to Costa Rica helps play a part in protecting their endemic ecosystems, so you can return home with vivid memories of vibrant hummingbirds and the knowledge your travels helped make a difference.
