Costa Rica is a birder’s paradise, with over 900 species of birds found across the country. Of those 900 species, over 50 are hummingbirds. Costa Rica’s wide variety of habitats, from cloud forests to tropical dry forests, provide ideal conditions for numerous hummingbird species.
Hummingbirds are among the most desired sightings for birders visiting Costa Rica. Their vibrant, iridescent colors and fast flying make them a joy to observe. Planning a trip around the best hummingbird spotting locations in Costa Rica will guarantee seeing a diversity of species.
When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Costa Rica?
The best time to see hummingbirds in Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April. Food sources are more plentiful during the dry season, leading to concentrations of hummingbirds at feeders and flowering plants. Some key events:
- December to May – Fiery-throated Hummingbird migration from Panama
- January to March – Peak blooming of nectar-producing flowers
- March to May – Peak breeding, nesting, and displaying by resident species
That being said, hummingbirds can be found year round across Costa Rica. Even during the May to November wet season, dedicated observers can find over 25 species at quality feeding locations.
Best Hummingbird Watching Spots in Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The lush cloud forests of Monteverde are a prime destination for hummingbird species. Over 20 species have been recorded here, including rare visitors like the Wine-throated Hummingbird. The dense flowering plants in the montane forest provide a constant nectar source.
Key species to look for around Monteverde include:
- Violet Sabrewing
- White-necked Jacobin
- Green-crowned Brilliant
- Violet-headed Hummingbird
- Magenta-throated Woodstar
Hotspots in Monteverde include the Hummingbird Gallery, located along the main road near the entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Feeders at the Santa Elena Reserve and Curicancha Reserve also attract many hummers throughout the year.
La Selva Biological Research Station
This protected lowland rainforest in Sarapiquí contains a network of trails and feeding stations perfect for observing a diversity of hummingbirds. Over 15 species regularly visit the feeders at La Selva, including dazzling species like the Green-breasted Mango.
Notable species to watch for:
- Crowned Woodnymph
- Stripe-throated Hermit
- Violet-crowned Woodnymph
- Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer
The best spot is La Selva’s main building, where you can relax on the observation deck and watch hummingbirds buzz by. Bring your own binoculars if you have them. Guided tours are also available.
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
This vast wetland in northern Costa Rica acts as a magnet for hummingbirds looking for food-rich edges between open water and dense vegetation. March is an ideal time to visit when nectar sources are at their peak.
Target these specialties at Caño Negro:
- Green-breasted Mango
- Cinnamon Hummingbird
- Sapphire-throated Hummingbird
- Violet-crowned Woodnymph
Be sure to visit the refuge’s observation platforms, where strategically-placed feeders regularly attract 20+ hummingbird species. Guided boat tours are another great option for finding hummers along the marshy banks of the refuge.
Carara National Park
This transitional forest contains a mix of open woodland, wetlands, and denser rainforest. Head to Carara during the dry months to observe resident hummers like the vibrant Violet-headed Hummingbird.
Notable species to observe here include:
- Black-crested Coquette
- Green Thorntail
- White-necked Jacobin
- Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer
Focus your efforts along the main loop trail, where feeders are set up to attract birds. Early mornings are most active. A guided tour is recommended to help locate the most productive feeding areas.
Wilson Botanical Garden
This lush garden near San Vito contains over 1,000 species of native tropical plants. The diversity of flowering plants make it an excellent spot for observing hummingbird behavior beyond just visiting feeders.
Watch for these highlights:
- Green-crowned Brilliant
- Garden Emerald
- White-crested Coquette
- Violet-headed Hummingbird
Be sure to visit the Las Cruces Research Station on the grounds, which maintains several active hummingbird feeders that attract rare highland species like the Fiery-throated Hummingbird.
Other Notable Sites
Beyond those main hotspots, there are many other excellent places to observe hummingbirds in Costa Rica:
- Santa Rosa National Park – Green-breasted Mango, Cinnamon Hummingbird
- Arenal Volcano – White-necked Jacobin, Violet Sabrewing
- Cocos Island – Green-crowned Brilliant, Violet-crowned Woodnymph
- Talamanca Hummingbird Gallery – Snowcap, Green Thorntail
- Uvita – White-crested Coquette, Mangrove Hummingbird
Best Hummingbird Feeding Tips in Costa Rica
Taking advantage of hummingbird feeders is one of the best ways to observe a variety of species up close. Follow these tips for great hummingbird sightings in Costa Rica:
- Use a nectar mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water first to eliminate impurities.
- Avoid red dye, honey, and artificial sweeteners in feeder nectar.
- Change nectar every 2 days, or daily in hot weather. Rinse feeders well.
- Use feeders with perches for the best views as hummers drink.
- Strategically place feeders near natural sources of food and shelter.
- Observe early mornings and evenings when hummer activity peaks.
Planning a Hummingbird-Watching Trip to Costa Rica
Follow these tips to maximize your chances of spectacular hummingbird sightings in Costa Rica:
- Visit during the dry season from December to April when bird activity is highest.
- Stay at lodges with feeders and flowering gardens to observe hummers on site.
- Bring a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
- Hire experienced local birding guides at top destinations like Monteverde and La Selva.
- Pack clothes in bright colors to attract hummingbirds up close as they investigate.
- Allow time to visit both mountain and lowland habitats for the widest variety of species.
Conclusion
With stunning biodiversity and excellent birding infrastructure, Costa Rica is one of the finest destinations in Central America for observing hummingbirds. The country’s wealth of cloud forests, rainforests, tropical dry forests, and wetlands provide ideal habitat for over 50 hummingbird species. Top hotspots like Monteverde, La Selva Biological Station, and Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge give visitors incredible opportunities to admire these flying jewels up close. With careful timing for peak hummingbird activity and an itinerary that targets the best sites, you’re guaranteed spectacular sightings of these marvelous birds on a Costa Rica hummingbird watching trip.
