Costa Rica is a paradise for bird and wildlife photographers, boasting over 800 species of birds.
Here are 25 fascinating birds you can photograph in Costa Rica in 2025-2026. Each offers unique opportunities for stunning shots.
Resplendent Quetzal
Description: Known for its vibrant green plumage and long tail feathers, the Resplendent Quetzal is often considered one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas.
Scarlet Macaw
Description: These large, colorful parrots are easily recognizable by their bright red, yellow, and blue feathers. They are often seen in pairs or small flocks.
Keel-billed Toucan
Description: With its large, multicolored bill, the Keel-billed Toucan is a striking bird that inhabits the tropical forests of Costa Rica.
Blue-crowned Motmot
Description: This bird is known for its distinctive racket-shaped tail feathers and vibrant blue and green plumage.
Great Green Macaw
Description: A critically endangered species, the Great Green Macaw is known for its bright green feathers and red forehead.
Turquoise-browed Motmot
Description: This bird features a turquoise brow and tail, making it a colorful subject for photography.
Fiery-throated Hummingbird
Description: This small bird dazzles with its iridescent throat that flashes fiery colors in the sunlight.
Black-crowned Antpitta
Description: A ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive black crown and a melodious song.
Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Description: Known for its striking plumage and tiger-like stripes, this heron is often found near water bodies.
Collared Aracari
Description: A small toucan with a colorful beak and a distinctive collar of black feathers.
Snowy Cotinga
Description: This bird is pure white with a striking appearance, often found in the lowland forests.
White-throated Magpie-Jay
Description: Recognizable by its long tail and crest, this bird is often seen in noisy flocks.
Red-legged Honeycreeper
Description: A small, brightly colored bird with red legs and a striking blue body.
Green Honeycreeper
Description: This bird features a bright green body and a contrasting black face.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Description: Known for its iridescent green plumage and long, pointed bill, this bird is a joy to photograph.
Golden-hooded Tanager
Description: This small bird is adorned with a golden hood and vibrant blue and black plumage.
Black-cheeked Woodpecker
Description: A striking woodpecker with a black cheek patch and a red crown.
Violet-crowned Woodnymph
Description: This hummingbird is known for its violet crown and iridescent green body.
Long-tailed Manakin
Description: Famous for its elaborate courtship dances, this bird has a striking black and blue plumage with a long tail.
Orange-collared Manakin
Description: This small bird is known for its bright orange collar and energetic display behaviors.
Three-wattled Bellbird
Description: Recognizable by its loud, bell-like call and distinctive wattles hanging from its beak.
White Hawk
Description: A majestic bird of prey with striking white plumage and black wingtips.
King Vulture
Description: This large vulture is known for its colorful head and impressive wingspan.
Black-and-yellow Tanager
Description: A small bird with striking black and yellow plumage, often found in mixed-species flocks.
Spectacled Owl
Description: This nocturnal bird is known for its distinctive “spectacles” of white feathers around its eyes.
Tips for Bird Photography in Costa Rica
- Timing: November and December are excellent months for bird photography as the transition between wet and dry seasons brings lush landscapes and active birdlife.
- Equipment: Bring a telephoto lens for close-up shots and a tripod for stability.
- Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can greatly enhance your chances of spotting and photographing rare species.
Photography Tours with Physis Photo Tours
Physis Photo Tours in Costa Rica offers tailor-made and group photography tours, providing expert guidance and access to prime birdwatching locations.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, our photography tours are designed to help you capture the best shots of Costa Rica’s stunning birdlife.
Costa Rica offers a rich tapestry of birdlife, making it a top destination for bird and wildlife photographers. Happy shooting!