Costa Rica is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 900 species of birds found across the country. Among these many feathered creatures are over 50 species of hummingbirds, making Costa Rica one of the best places in the world to see and photograph these tiny, glittering birds.
Why are there so many hummingbirds in Costa Rica?
There are several reasons why Costa Rica has such a diversity of hummingbirds:
- Ideal climate – Costa Rica’s tropical climate stays relatively warm year-round, allowing hummingbirds to thrive.
- Diverse habitats – Rainforests, cloud forests, mangroves, and dry forests provide the right habitats for different hummingbird species.
- Plentiful nectar sources – There are always flowers blooming in Costa Rica, providing a consistent food source.
- Strategic location – Costa Rica’s position bridging North and South America enables species from both continents to converge.
This combination of factors makes Costa Rica a true hotspot for hummingbirds. Currently, Costa Rica is home to over 50 species, which represents about 10% of the world’s total diversity of hummingbirds.
Best places to photograph hummingbirds in Costa Rica
Here are some of the top destinations in Costa Rica to spot and photograph hummingbirds:
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
This lush nature park near Volcan Poas is a photographer’s dream, with trails winding past multiple waterfalls and vibrant flowering gardens. Over 20 hummingbird species visit the nectar feeders and flowers, providing plentiful photo opportunities.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Suspended bridges in this misty mountain forest allow eye-level views of hummingbirds like the violet sabrewing and the green-crowned brilliant. Early mornings are best for photography before the clouds roll in.
San Gerardo de Dota
Head to this high-elevation valley to photograph hummingbirds like the fiery-throated hummingbird and magnificent hummingbird amidst the lush cloud forest vegetation.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Preserve
Walking the forested trails around Cabo Blanco on the Nicoya Peninsula provides the chance to photograph hummingbirds like the violet-headed hummingbird and purple-crowned fairy.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
This wetland ecosystem in the North is home to species like the white-necked jacobin and bronzy hermit, which can be photographed feeding on colorful flowers floating in the water.
Santa Rosa National Park
Dry forests in this Guanacaste park are home to amazing species like the blue-throated goldentail and Cinnamon hummingbird.
Selva Verde Lodge
This eco-lodge near Sarapiquí has over 150 species of hummingbirds spotted in their gardens, including the snowcap and green thorntail.
Best times of year to photograph hummingbirds
Hummingbirds can be found year-round in Costa Rica, but there are certain times that are better for photography:
- Dry Season (December to April) – Flowers are blooming, drawing in more hummingbirds to feed. Sunnier weather provides good lighting.
- Spring Migration (March to May) – Some North American species like the ruby-throated hummingbird visit Costa Rica on their spring migration.
- Autumn Migration (July to September) – Photography opportunities during the southern migration of hummingbirds through Costa Rica.
Photography tips
Capturing good photos of fast-moving, tiny hummingbirds takes patience and the right techniques. Here are some tips:
- Use a telephoto lens 200mm or longer to get close-up shots.
- Shoot in shutter priority mode, at speeds like 1/1000s to freeze motion.
- Add natural perches and set up feeders to attract the hummingbirds.
- Be ready before they arrive by prefocusing on a perch or feeder area.
- Use flash to highlight iridescent colors, but avoid startling the birds.
- Try panning by tracking the movement of the hummingbird to keep it sharp against a blurred background.
- Photograph in early morning and late afternoon when the light is softer.
- Move slowly and wait for energetic feeding, fighting or displaying behaviors to capture interesting shots.
Common hummingbird species to photograph
Here are some of the hummingbird species in Costa Rica that are highly sought-after by photographers:
Hummingbird species | Description |
---|---|
Green-crowned Brilliant | Large and colorful, the male has an iridescent red throat and green crown. |
Stripe-tailed Hummingbird | Distinctive long forked tail on this green hummingbird. |
Violet Sabrewing | Extra large with a curved purple bill and violet-blue coloring. |
White-necked Jacobin | Dramatic white neck and breast on this blue-black hummingbird. |
Green Thorntail | Tiny and mostly green with long tail and brilliant green throat. |
Coppery-headed Emerald | Bronze-green plumage with a distinctive copper-colored head. |
Choosing locations to photograph hummingbirds
To maximize your chances of photographing a variety of hummingbird species in Costa Rica, choose locations that offer:
- A diversity of flowering plants – Different flower types like heliconias, ginger, and bromeliads attract different hummingbird species.
- Running water or perches – Hummingbirds often perch to rest between feedings, allowing you to get great shots.
- Feeders – Supplement flowers with nectar feeders to draw in more birds.
- Forest edges and gaps – Hummingbirds often feed and perch in open areas bordered by forests.
- Higher elevations – Cool mountainous areas tend to have their own unique hummingbird species.
- Varied habitats – Visit both wet and dry forests to see the most species.
Ask local lodges, parks, and tours about the best places to see and photograph hummingbirds in each area you visit.
Joining a photography tour
For beginning bird photographers, joining a guided hummingbird photography tour can provide expert instruction on techniques, as well as access to private reserves or specialized lodges. Benefits of a photography tour include:
- Skilled local guides who know where and when to spot different hummingbird species.
- Chance to photograph rare or unusual hummingbird species.
- Set up of equipment like camouflage blinds at prime vantage points.
- Help adjusting camera settings and lending specialized macro photography lenses.
- Tours timed during peak hummingbird activity periods.
Some top companies offering hummingbird photography tours in Costa Rica include Photography Journeys, Natural Exposure Tours, and Paradise Photo Tours.
Photographing hummingbirds at lodges or feeders
An easier and more affordable option is photographing hummingbirds at specialized eco-lodges or public hummingbird feeders. Recommended lodges with excellent on-site photography opportunities include:
- Grano de Oro Inn, San Jose – Luxury hotel with 2 lush gardens visited by 25+ hummingbird species.
- Monteverde Lodge & Gardens – Over 20 feeders attract many Monteverde forest hummingbirds.
- Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge, Osa Peninsula – Dozens of species photographed in the verdant gardens.
- Trogon Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota – High-altitude lodge surrounded by cloud forest rich in hummingbirds.
- La Marta Wildlife Refuge – Research station on the Pacific slope with 47+ documented hummingbird species.
Can’t make it to a nature lodge? Many parks and reserves have public feeders, such as at La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiquí and the Hummingbird Gallery at Zoo Ave Wildlife Rescue Center near Alajuela.
Hummingbird photography ethics
When photographing hummingbirds, it’s important to follow ethical practices that put the welfare of the birds first:
- Don’t distress or endanger the hummingbirds.
- Be aware of your distance and movements when birds are feeding.
- Never disrupt nests or fledglings.
- Photo feeders should have adequate perches and food sources.
- Limit camera flash usage which can startle the birds.
- Use respectful blinds that give the birds space.
- Edit images truthfully without manipulation.
- Consider donating a percentage of any photo profits to hummingbird conservation.
Following these tips will allow you to get fantastic photos while also creating a safe space for Costa Rica’s special hummingbirds to visit.
Conclusion
With its incredible diversity of hummingbird species and plentiful photo venues, Costa Rica offers boundless opportunities for capturing stunning images of these energetic birds. By traveling during peak hummingbird seasons, arming yourself with the right photographic gear and techniques, and visiting top lodges, reserves and tours, you’ll be sure to come away with jaw-dropping photos of these flying jewels. Just be sure to put the well-being of the hummingbirds first whenever you photograph them.