Quetzal Season in Costa Rica- When and Where to Go
Costa Rica is home to an incredible variety of birds. As of 2024, 939 species (!). Granted, a good number on the official bird list for Costa Rica are rare migrants but that still leaves us with more than 830 regularly occurring bird species. Yeah, that's a heck of a lot of birds alright, more than enough to warrant multiple trips to Costa Rica.
Even when birding in Costa Rica most of the time, it still takes years to see more than 800 species. However, one of those species isn't just regular and fairly easy to see, it's also one of the top birds in the world. With well over 10,000 species to choose from, that's a bold statement but most would agree that the Resplendent Quetzal is in a league of its own.
And yes, did I actually say they were fairly easy to see? I sure did and yes, they are! A birder still has to know where to go and how to look for them but seeing multiple quetzals in Costa Rica is far easier than finding one umbrellabird. Given this spectacular trogon's avian star status, it's no wonder lots of non-birders want to see one too. Is there a best time for seeing quetzals in Costa Rica? Is there an actual "Quetzal Season"? See answers below!
Quetzal Season
Does Costa Rica have a "Quetzal Season"? Is that the only time to lay eyes on this magnificent bird? Although some people believe we have an actual Quetzal Season, that's not entirely true. Resplendent Quetzals occur in Costa Rica all year long and if you know how to look for them, you'll probably find them.
However, they do have a nesting season and this is what most refer to as "Quetzal Season". From February to June, Resplendent Quetzals sing, display, make their nests, and raise their young. The males do tend to sing more and knowing quetzal nest locations does make them pretty reliable.
Usually, there's also less rain at the start of the nesting season and yes, that dry weather does make birding and bird photography easier. Even so, "Quetzal Season" isn't the only time to see this fantastic bird. Some years, I have seen multiple quetzals in roadside habitat in June and July! Other years, no, but I have seen them all year long and often, not with too much difficulty. They can also sing and call any time of the year.
In summary, although experienced local birding guides can show you quetzals in any month, if you are looking for photos of displaying males and views of nesting birds (at a safe distance), you'll want to visit Costa Rica in February and March.
Where to see Quetzals in Costa Rica
As I was mentioning, it's not all that tough to see quetzals in Costa Rica but, you do have to know where to go and how to see them. Those are birding skills best learned from personal birding experience but, good birding guides may bring you to these birding sites:
The Monteverde area
This classic quetzal site is still good for this fantastic bird. Local guides often show them to clients in the main Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Santa Elena Reserve, and Curi-Cancha.
The Dota Valley
This beautiful, popular destination is also known as Quetzal Valley and with good reason; the mature oak rainforests protect a healthy population of Resplendent Quetzals. A few lodges in the area also host daily quetzals walks!
Paraiso Quetzal
Any place called, "Quetzal Paradise" has got to be good! This popular birding hotspot has trails with quetzals, daily quetzal walks, and also works with local landowners to show visitors quetzals while also protecting their habitat.
Irazu Volcano
Although most birders visit Irazu to see an impressive crater and watch local Volcano Juncos and Timberline Wrens forage, the area is also a good place to see quetzals! They don't live in or near the treeline habitats at the crater but do occur in other spots, even at the side of the road.
Other sites with high elevation rainforest
The sites mentioned above are some of the principal areas to connect with this fantastic bird but they occur in other places too. In Costa Rica, most intact cloud forests and high elevation rainforests above 1,500 meters host quetzals. These include places like the road through Quetzal National Park, sites around Bajos del Toro, Poas Volcano, and other suitable areas.
If you are looking for Resplendent Quetzals in Costa Rica, the information above will help. However, there's nothing like taking a custom birding tour to Costa Rica to get the best views and photos of quetzals. How many quetzals do you want to see? How about Quetzals, Snowcaps, tanagers, and more? Tell us about your Costa Rica birding dreams!
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