Birding & Wildlife in the Caribbean Coast

Black-crested Coquette

Costa Rica is famous as one of the world's premier birding countries. The most recent birding guides on Costa Rica has described the Talamanca Region as the most underrated birding area in this Central American country. You can observe such a variety of birds from tropical sea birds to shore and wetland species, raucous schools of parrots, Oropendulas, Trogans, Blue Dacnis,  and hummingbirds.

All these share the lowland forest, which is amazing and easily accessible. The patient and dedicated birder will be rewarded by seeing rare birds such as the Sun Bittern, King Vulture, Cotinga and the Three-Wattled Bellbird. Three toucan species include the Rainbow Billed, Chestnut Mandibled, and Aracari. Important migrants like the Cerulean and Prothonotary warblers as also spotted. Serious list makers have identified over 300 species within walking distance of Puerto Viejo.

scarlet macaws

The rainforest is also home to many species of mammals and reptiles. Three types of monkeys live in the Caribbean area.  Generally, Howler and White faced or Capuchin monkeys are fairly easy to find. The Spider monkey is rare. Both the Three and Two-Toed Sloths are common. Kinkajous, Tayras, Coatamundis, Anteaters, River Otters, Margays are all possible. How about reptiles?  Boa Constrictors, Iguanas, Anoles, Eyelash Vipers, 3 types of Poison Dart Frogs, Jesus Christ lizards, and the common geckos to name a few.

  Bird Watching in the Southern Pacific Coast > Golfito

Costa Rica Weather >>

Caribbean Links:		Local Weather
Things to Do	Cahuita	Puerto Viejo	Tortuguero
Places to Stay	Cahuita	Puerto Viejo	Tortuguero
Places to Eat	Cahuita	Puerto Viejo	Tortuguero