Birds of Costa Rica

Over 10,000 different bird species are known around the world and almost 900 of them can be found in Costa Rica. Birds belong to a class of vertebrates and are distinguished by their wings and feathers. In addition, all birds have a beak and are found on all continents. Birds have bones that are as light as possible and usually only account for 8 to 9% of their total body mass. They have a constant and quite high body temperature of around 107°F and a comparatively fast heartbeat. In the case of the sparkling-tailed hummingbird, the small heart beats at 1,260 beats per minute. Their senses are well developed and the eyes are extremely powerful in many species.

Since there is such a gigantic variety of small and large, colorful and majestic birds in Costa Rica, the small country is a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Even inexperienced bird watchers will enjoy their time here. The most well-known among the bird species are the scarlet macaw, the toucan, the quetzal and the many hummingbirds. Anyone who wants to watch birds in Costa Rica can simply sit outside early in the morning and wait. Birds are most active in the mornings and evenings and you can view them even better with binoculars.