Costa Rica is home to an incredible diversity of bird species. With over 900 species recorded, Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of avian diversity in the world for a country of its size. But exactly how many species of birds can be found in this Central American nation? Let’s take a closer look at the ornithological wonders of Costa Rica and the various estimates for total bird species that call it home.
Quick Answer: Over 900 Species
Most sources estimate that there are over 900 species of birds in Costa Rica. The official checklist maintained by the Costa Rican Ornithological Association lists 921 species as of October 2023. Of these, 892 are confirmed breeding residents or regular migrants/visitors. The remaining 29 are vagrants or extirpated species that no longer occur in Costa Rica. So in summary, a good round estimate is that over 900 species of birds can be found in Costa Rica.
Detailed Number Breakdown
The following is a more detailed breakdown of the number of bird species in Costa Rica according to their status:
- 892 confirmed species recorded since 1950
- 29 additional vagrants or extirpated species
- 657 resident breeding species
- 157 regular migrant species
- 78 vagrants or accidental species
So in total, there are 921 species on the official checklist, made up of 892 confirmed recent records and 29 additional historical records. Of the confirmed species, most are residents, with smaller numbers of regular migrants and vagrants making up the remainder.
Comparison With Other Countries
Costa Rica’s 900+ bird species is an exceptionally high number for a small country. For comparison, some other countries and their total bird diversity includes:
- United States – Around 800-900 species
- Canada – Around 450-500 species
- Brazil – Around 1800 species
- Colombia – Over 1900 species
- Ecuador – Over 1600 species
- Venezuela – Over 1300 species
So Costa Rica punches far above its weight, with comparable or even higher bird diversity than many much larger nations. The country’s wide range of habitats and its position bridging North and South America are key reasons why its avian diversity is so high.
Endemism
In addition to its sheer number of bird species, Costa Rica also has high endemism – species that are found nowhere else in the world. There are 11 endemic bird species in Costa Rica, making up around 1% of all birds in the country. Some of Costa Rica’s most iconic endemic bird species include:
- Turquoise Cotinga
- Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager
- Yellow-billed Cotinga
- Maroon-chested Ground-Dove
These Costa Rican endemics tend to have highly restricted ranges, often limited to small pockets of specialized highland or lowland habitats. Protecting these endemic birds is a high conservation priority in Costa Rica.
Major Habitats and Bird Diversity
What enables such high bird numbers and endemism in Costa Rica? A key factor is the wide range of habitats found across the country in a relatively small area. Here is an overview of Costa Rica’s major habitat types and associated bird diversity:
Tropical Rainforests
Lush lowland and montane rainforests harbor over 500 bird species, including colorful toucans, parrots, manakins, and tanagers. Canopy antbirds and mixed-species flocks thrive in these forests.
Tropical Dry Forests
Dry forests hold regional specialties like Turquoise-browed Motmot, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and Cinnamon Hummingbird. Over 400 species occur in the northwest Guanacaste region.
Cloud Forests
Higher elevation cloud forests have endemics like Black Guan, Elegant Euphonia, and various quetzals. Over 350 species are found in Monteverde Cloud Forest alone.
Mangroves
Mangrove forests on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts host kingfishers, herons, rails, and other wetland species. Over 300 species occur just in Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge on the Caribbean coast.
Wetlands
Wetlands like Caño Negro and Maquenque host resident species like Boat-billed Heron alongside migrants like Wood Stork and King Rail. Over 400 species frequent wetland habitats.
Scrub and Open Areas
Dry open country and agricultural areas hold widespread species like Rufous-naped Wren, Bat Falcon, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Over 100 species use these open habitats.
Key Birdwatching Areas
Some top birding sites to spot a wide array of Costa Rica’s 900+ bird species include:
- La Selva Biological Station
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Guanacaste National Park
- Tapanti National Park
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
- Carara National Park
- Mangroves of Gandoca-Manzanillo
Focusing on these and other biodiversity hotspots increases chances of seeing many of Costa Rica’s bird highlights.
Resident vs. Migratory Species
Of the 900+ species of birds in Costa Rica, around two-thirds are resident species that breed in the country, while one-third are migratory species. Here is a breakdown:
- 657 resident breeding species (71%)
- 235 migratory breeding species (26%)
- 29 vagrants/extirpated (3%)
Some of the most spectacular migrants include raptors like Swainson’s Hawk, Swallow-tailed Kite, and Broad-winged Hawk. Warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and shorebirds also migrate through Costa Rica.
Endangered Species
Of Costa Rica’s 900+ bird species, around 75 are listed as threatened, endangered, or critically endangered. Some of the most endangered Costa Rican birds include:
- Yellow-naped Amazon – Endangered
- Great Green Macaw – Endangered
- Three-wattled Bellbird – Endangered
- Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager – Critically Endangered
Habitat loss is the greatest threat facing endangered birds in Costa Rica. Conservation efforts across protected areas and private reserves seek to safeguard key habitats and species.
In Conclusion
With over 900 species of birds packed into a small country, Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of avian diversity in the world. Exact numbers vary across sources, but over 900 species have been recorded in Costa Rica, made up of residents, migrants, and vagrants. A diversity of habitats from rainforests to dry country and high endemism underlie the spectacular birdlife. Protecting habitats and working to conserve threatened species are crucial to safeguard Costa Rica’s ornithological wonders.