Five Stunning Dry Forest Birds of Costa Rica

In common with most countries, Costa Rica has its share of dull-colored and brightly colored birds. However, unlike most other nations, Costa Rica is a small place with a huge bird list, one of more than 900 species (!). With such a big avian pool to draw from, it's no wonder that birding tours to Costa Rica encounter more than a few stunning birds. Some occur in rainforest, other in cloud forest, and some right on the grounds of the hotel. Tropical dry forest also has its share of beautiful birds, the following five being some of the more eye-catching species seen during a birding tour to Costa Rica:

Lesser Ground-Cuckoo

This fancy bird with the multi-colored natural eye shadow is actually common in most dry forest areas and can even be encountered at sites near San Jose. Although it's heard more often than it is seen, birding tours with experienced guides usually result in excellent looks at this beauty.

White-fronted Parrot

Members of the parrot family tend to be showy, noisy, beautiful birds. This species is no exception and, fortunately, it's also common! Often seen in flight, the White-fronted Parrot is a small Amazon species that shows red in the front of the wings. Occasionally, perched birds can also be located for excellent shots. Watch for this species at any number of sites from Tarcoles north to Nicaragua.

Turquoise-browed Motmot

This stunning bird species is one of the avian stars of Costa Rica's tropical dry forest. Like other motmots, the Turquoise-browed prefers forested, shady spots. However, unlike other motmots, and much to the bird photographer's delight, it tends to come more into the open than other motmots, especially during the morning and late afternoon. Expect this common beauty at any number of dry forest sites.

Streak-backed Oriole

Yet another striking, commonly seen beauty of the dry forest, this good-sized oriole can have a darker, more uniform back than is pictured in field guides. Watch for this beautiful oriole around flowering trees and palms.

Scarlet Macaw

Saving one of the most spectacular birds for last, this huge, multi-colored parrot occurs around Carara and Palo Verde. Thanks to increasing populations, it can also show at various other sites.

Want to see these and hundreds of other stunning tropical birds? Contact Lifer Tours, we would love to tell you how we see a large number of beautiful tropical bird species on every trip.