The Monteverde area is one of the most famous birding destinations in Costa Rica, famously home to the Resplendent Quetzal as well as less sexy birds such as Highland Tinamou, Chiriqui Quail-Dove, Black-breasted Wood-Quail, Gray-throated Leaftosser, and more. Located at 4,662 ft (1,440 m) above sea level, Monteverde, Costa Rica is a lot like the United States’ Pacific Northwest region —evergreen due to the precipitation and moisture-filled clouds which hover over the horizon on an almost daily basis. Monteverde’s cloud forests are the byproduct of fog (a thick, low-hanging cloud) tangling amongst the leaves and branches of the forest canopy. When these water-based clouds come into contact with solid plant material, the plant absorbs what it needs and the remaining water condenses and drips down —layer by layer, organism by organism —until it reaches the forest floor.
●Tens of thousands of diverse insects.
●2,500 species of plants (420 are strictly orchids).
●400 varieties of birds.
●Over 100 types of mammals.
Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers, and in fact Monteverde reports that some of the rarest and most beautiful of these species can be spotted right there in the Cloud Forest. Here are 10 species to keep an eye out during your visit in Monteverde.
1. The Three-Wattled
Bellbird The three-wattled bellbird is an endemic species from Honduras to Panama, and migrates between the area based on its feeding and reproductive patterns. Males and females of this species are very different, females have yellow-green and brown-flecked bodies, while males are brown with a white head and have three beard-like tendrils (or wattles) that hang around their beaks.The bellbird is named for its distinctive bell-like call, so be sure to listen for it when exploring thewide open spaces that this species tends to inhabit!
2. The Quetzal
While the quetzal is not endemic to Costa Rica and can also be seen in some countries in Central America, this beautiful species is considered a symbol of Monteverde.Like the three-wattled bellbird, the best time to spot quetzals in Monteverde is between April and July, though the quetzal tends to frequent dense forest areas in humid highlands.
3. The Golden-Browed
Chlorophonia This small but beautiful bird is native to Costa Rica and Panama, and can often be seen hanging out in tree canopies. Male chlorophonia are green with yellow breasts and a yellow and blue head, and females are similar but with a more green body.
4. The Black-Breasted Wood
Quail The black-breasted wood quail can be spotted in heavily wooded areas of Monteverde. Don’t worry; these quails are noisy, making them easy to find among the ground.Fun fact: the black-breasted wood quail is gregarious, meaning that it is fond of company and therefore travels in a flock.
A beautiful Hummingbird, a Magenta-throated Woodstar seen in the wild in Costa Rica.
5. The Magenta-Throated
Woodstar Monteverde is an especially popular area for the sighting of hummingbirds, like the magenta-throated woodstar.These tiny, fast-moving creatures are easily recognizable by the deep magenta throat, white collar, and green chest and flanks. Watching hummingbirds feed from the sweet nectar of native plants to the area, it’s hard to believe those little wings can move so fast.
6. The Coppery-Headed
Emerald The gorgeous native hummingbird from Costa Rica is the Coppery-headed Emerald, another hummingbird found in Monteverde’s native plants and flowers. These hummingbirds are quite easy to spot around the gardens and open areas.You’ll know this one by the coppery shimmer of the male’s belly and crown, and the almost peacock-green of both genders’ back and wings.
7. Bare-Necked
Umbrellabird During the breeding season (probably March to July), you might have more luck with the Bare-necked Umbrellabird by visiting a leak on its breeding grounds. Untilother accessible leks are found, an adventurous trip only for those fit enough to hike a few hours downhill (and then back up to get out) to the San Gerardo Field Station of the Monteverde Preserve could be the most reliable way to see this species.
8. Long-tailed Manakin
Attractive, chunky little bird of tropical forest in dry and humid lowlands and foothills. Away from display areas, usually found in ones and twos perched quietly or feeding at fruiting trees and bushes from understory to canopy. Complex displays involve loud whistles and interactions between two males. Adult male is unmistakable. Female and young are greenish overall with orange legs and rather long tail. Immature males have varying degrees of adult male plumage; the sky-blue back being the last feature to appear.
9. Black-faced Solitaire
Sleek medium-sized thrush with a beautiful voice. Listen for its fluffy, ethereal phrases drifting over montane forests. Sexes alike: entirely gray with black face, black wings, and orangey bill and legs. Juveniles are confusingly browner and spotted, but note similar shape, small bill, and dark face. Unobtrusive and not very active; most often seen while feeding at a fruiting tree.
10. Black Guan.
Large «chickenlike» bird found in montane forests. Entirely black plumage with blue facial skin, red eye, and reddish legs. Sexes similar. Unlikely to be confused: smaller and blacker than Crested Guan; lacks curled head feathers of Great Curassow; also found at higher elevations. Can be seen on the ground or in trees, usually in pairs or small family groups. Feeds on fruit.
