Costa Rica is home to six species of colorful trogons that birders from around the world come to see. Trogons are medium-sized birds in the Trogonidae family, known for their vibrant plumage and distinctive silhouettes. Costa Rica’s trogons can be found in forests and woodlands across the country.
What types of trogons live in Costa Rica?
The six trogon species found in Costa Rica are:
- Resplendent Quetzal – The most famous and sought-after trogon in Costa Rica. Males have vibrant green bodies and crimson chests and bellies. Females are smaller and have more muted colors.
- Slaty-tailed Trogon – Large black and white trogon with a blue tint on the male’s back and tail. Widespread in lowland and foothill forests.
- Black-headed Trogon – Bright green above, yellow below on the male. Females are duller. Often perches still and blends into foliage.
- Gartered Trogon – Medium-sized trogon with red bellies and white stripes on their breasts. Found in both wet and dry forests.
- Black-throated Trogon – Large trogon with emerald green upperparts and brilliant yellow bellies. Males have a striking black face.
- Elegant Trogon – Extravagant orange belly and undertail coverts contrast with its blue-green back and wings.
When is the best time to see trogons in Costa Rica?
The trogon viewing season in Costa Rica corresponds with the dry season from December to April. During the wet season from May to November, trogons are more difficult to find as they disperse into dense foliage and the forest is flush with greenery.
Here are some tips for the best times to see specific trogon species:
- Resplendent Quetzal – December to May when they nest. Early morning is best.
- Slaty-tailed Trogon – All year, especially February/March on the Caribbean slope.
- Black-headed Trogon – December to July across elevations.
- Gartered Trogon – December to July on the Pacific slope.
- Black-throated Trogon – December to May on the Caribbean slope.
- Elegant Trogon – November to April on the Pacific slope.
Keep in mind that viewing times can vary slightly year to year based on weather patterns and food availability.
Where are the best places to see trogons in Costa Rica?
Here are some of the top trogon viewing spots in Costa Rica by region:
Arenal and Northern Lowlands
- Arenal Volcano National Park – Resplendent Quetzal, Slaty-tailed Trogon
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge – Slaty-tailed Trogon, Gartered Trogon
- La Selva Biological Station – Resplendent Quetzal, Slaty-tailed Trogon
- Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge – Resplendent Quetzal, Elegant Trogon
Central Pacific
- Carara National Park – Black-hooded Trogon, Gartered Trogon
- Manuel Antonio National Park – Black-headed Trogon, Gartered Trogon
- Savegre Mountain Hotel – Resplendent Quetzal, Elegant Trogon
Caribbean Slope
- Barbilla National Park – Resplendent Quetzal, Black-throated Trogon
- Braulio Carrillo National Park – Resplendent Quetzal, Black-throated Trogon
- La Selva Biological Station – Resplendent Quetzal, Slaty-tailed Trogon
- Tapantí National Park – Resplendent Quetzal, Black-throated Trogon
Southern Zone
- Esquinas Rainforest Lodge – Black-headed Trogon, Gartered Trogon
- San Gerardo de Dota – Resplendent Quetzal, Elegant Trogon
- Wilson Botanical Garden – Resplendent Quetzal, Black-headed Trogon
What is the best way to find trogons in Costa Rica?
Here are some tips for finding trogons in Costa Rica’s forests:
- Go with an experienced local guide who knows trogon habitats and behavior.
- Focus on listening for their calls and whistles.
- Search for fruiting trees that attract feeding trogons.
- Look high up into the forest canopy where they often perch.
- Try sitting quietly in one spot and waiting for them to appear.
- Visit protected reserves early in the day when activity is highest.
It takes patience and persistence to observe trogons. Their bright colors make them stand out, but they tend to sit very still among the leaves. Hiring a guide gives you the best chance since they know exactly where to search based on recent sightings.
What do trogons eat?
Costa Rican trogons are omnivores that feed on a variety of fruits and small animals. Their diverse diet includes:
- Fruits – Wild avocados, berries, figs, and other tropical fruits.
- Insects – Cicadas, beetles, stick insects, caterpillars.
- Spiders
- Tree frogs and lizards
- Small snakes
- Rodents – Mice, bats, shrews.
By following fruiting and flowering cycles, trogons ensure a consistent food supply. They play an important role in seed dispersal across the rainforest.
What is special about the Resplendent Quetzal?
The Resplendent Quetzal is Costa Rica’s most iconic and prized bird. Here’s what makes this species so special:
- Brilliant colored males – Their vibrant emerald green bodies and crimson chests make them unmistakable.
- Long tail feathers – Males grow twin tail feathers up to 3 feet long during breeding season.
- Important in Mesoamerican culture – Symbols of freedom and wealth to ancient Aztecs and Mayans.
- National bird of Guatemala – Depicted on their flag and currency.
- Threatened species – Habitat loss has made them rare. Protected in Costa Rica.
- Tourist attraction – People travel from across the globe with hopes of seeing one in cloud forests.
Catching a glimpse of a Resplendent Quetzal perched among the cloud forest canopy is an unforgettable sight for birders visiting Costa Rica.
Conclusion
With dense rainforests, cloud forests, and a diversity of fruiting trees, Costa Rica provides ideal habitat for trogons. The best chances of seeing these magnificent birds are by visiting protected reserves on the Caribbean or Pacific slopes during the dry season and early morning hours. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide will greatly increase your odds of observing trogons in the wild. Of all the trogon species, the dazzling Resplendent Quetzal is the most prized sighting for visitors. With persistence and some luck, you’ll be rewarded with a sighting of one of Costa Rica’s spectacular trogons!