BirdnWild
Blog
Stories, tips and guides about birdwatching and wildlife in Costa Rica.
Finding the Ocellated Crake: A Secretive Grassland Bird
Finding the Rosy Thrush-Tanager: Where to See One of the Neotropics’ Most Elusive Birds
Discover the elusive Rosy Thrush-Tanager (Rhodinocichla rosea), one of the Neotropics’ most unusual birds. Learn about its remarkable evolutionary history, secretive behavior, and how local expert Leandro has helped protect its habitat in Costa Rica. Plus, get practical tips for finding and photographing this fascinating species with BirdnWild.
Whale & Dolphin Watching in Costa Rica: Where Two Oceans of Migration Meet
Discover the incredible world of whales and dolphins along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, where humpback whales gather to give birth and raise their calves, and dolphins can form spectacular mega-pods of hundreds or even thousands. Join experienced guide Sierra Goodman as she shares nearly three decades of encounters in the waters of Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula, and learn why this remarkable region is one of the world’s most important habitats for marine mammals.
Birding Costa Rica: Rare Birds of the Caribbean Foothills
Discover the rare and elusive birds of Costa Rica’s Caribbean foothills, from specialized fruit-eating tanagers and hummingbirds to the remarkable Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo. Explore the best birding locations, learn about the habitats and behaviors that help you find these species, and discover how local expert guides can improve your chances of unforgettable sightings.
Birdwatching in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica
Discover birdwatching in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, home to Resplendent Quetzals, highland hummingbirds, and more than 40 range-restricted bird species. Explore the best habitats, destinations, seasons, and local guides for finding the region’s most sought-after birds.
Photographing the Elusive Green-Fronted Lancebill: Shadow Hunter of Neotropical Streams
Hummingbirds are usually associated with bright gardens and busy nectar feeders, but the Green-fronted Lancebill (Doryfera ludovicae) follows a completely different path. Hiding along steep, shaded mountain streams and rushing waterfalls in the Neotropical cloud forest, this shy, needle-billed specialist avoids artificial feeders entirely. Discover how local guides and community conservation efforts make it possible to spot and photograph this rare shadow hunter in its natural element.
Photographing the Tropical Royal Flycatcher: A Hidden Spectacle in the Forest
Discover the hidden spectacle of the Tropical Royal Flycatcher, a subtly plumaged forest bird with a remarkable secret: a brilliant red or yellow crest revealed during brief behavioral displays. Join us as we explore the behavior, habitat, and photography of this elusive flycatcher with local bird photography expert Sergio.
Finding the Yellow-billed Cotinga: Costa Rica’s White Gem of the Canopy
High in the canopy where mangroves meet lowland rainforests lives the Yellow-billed Cotinga—Costa Rica's "White Gem of the Canopy." Discover why this rare, endangered bird is on every wildlife photographer's bucket list, and learn expert tips from local guide Gerson on how to track and spot it in the wild.
Photographing the Agami Heron: An Encounter with One of the most beautiful and elusive herons
Discover the secrets to finding and photographing the Agami Heron (Agami agami), one of the Neotropics' most stunning and elusive wading birds. From its solitary behavior in dense swamp forests to the spectacular nesting colony spectacles in northern Costa Rica, learn about its range, habits, and how to book guided photography tours.
Birdwatching in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Lowlands: A Complete Guide to the Region’s Most Emblematic Species
Explore the birdwatching paradise of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Lowlands! From endangered Great Green Macaws and majestic King Vultures to elusive Agami Herons, discover top bird species, key regional hotspots like Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada, and expert guided tours.
Great Green Macaw: Costa Rica’s Conservation Success Story
The Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) is one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular birds — and an inspiring conservation success story. Once severely threatened by habitat loss and the decline of its favorite food and nesting tree, the Mountain Almond (Dipteryx panamensis), this magnificent macaw has made an important recovery in parts of Costa Rica. Discover the Great Green Macaw, its fascinating relationship with the Mountain Almond, the conservation efforts helping protect it, and where to see and photograph this iconic species in Costa Rica.
Birdwatching in Monteverde: A Complete Guide to Costa Rica's Legendary Cloud Forest
Discover why Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most legendary birdwatching destinations. Explore its mist-covered cloud forests, more than 400 recorded bird species, and iconic specialties such as the Resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird, Black Guan, and an extraordinary diversity of hummingbirds. Learn about the best places and seasons for birdwatching, and why local guides can make all the difference when searching for Monteverde’s most remarkable birds.
Photographing the Long-tailed Manakin Dance: Witnessing One of Nature's Greatest Courtship Performances
Discover the extraordinary courtship dance of the Long-tailed Manakin (*Chiroxiphia linearis*), one of Central America's most fascinating birds. Learn how this remarkable cooperative display works, where to photograph it, and why local guides can help you witness one of nature's most unforgettable wildlife spectacles.
Birdwatching in Costa Rica's South Pacific: A Guide to the Region's Most Remarkable Birds
Discover the remarkable birds of Costa Rica's South Pacific, from Scarlet Macaws and colorful cotingas to endemic species found nowhere else. Learn where to bird and why local guides can make all the difference.
Photographing the Cabanis's Ground-Sparrow: Finding Costa Rica's Hidden Endemic
Discover how to photograph the elusive Cabanis's Ground-Sparrow, one of Costa Rica's most remarkable endemic birds. Learn how local expertise, habitat conservation, and BirdnWild's expert guides make it possible to find and photograph this secretive species while supporting its conservation.
Resplendent Quetzal Photography: Being in the Right Place at the Right Time
Photographing the Resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica takes more than a long lens. Learn why local guide networks are the real secret to getting the perfect shot.
When a Resplendent Quetzal Chooses a Family Backyard
What if one of the world's most sought-after birds chose to nest in a family garden? In the mountains of Costa Rica, Ignacio and Romaín have spent more than two decades creating the perfect conditions for the Resplendent Quetzal. Their remarkable story shows how people and wildlife can thrive together, transforming a backyard into a sanctuary for one of Central America's most iconic birds while creating new opportunities for conservation through nature tourism.
Photographing the Three-wattled Bellbird in Costa Rica
Deep in Costa Rica’s cloud forests, the explosive call of the Three-wattled Bellbird reveals one of the Neotropics’ most iconic species. Discover when and where to find it, why it’s so challenging to photograph, and how local expertise can transform your chances of capturing this extraordinary bird.
Finding the "Phantom": Photographing the Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo in Costa Rica
Known to many as the 'Ghost of the Rainforest,' the Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo is one of the most elusive prizes in neotropical birding. While many spend years searching for a glimpse of this bird, the secret to a successful encounter lies in a fascinating relationship between the bird, army ants, and the local guides who track them. Discover how local guides are turning the impossible into the unforgettable in the forests of Costa Rica.