10 Fantastic Benefits of High Elevation Birding in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a friendly place of stunning tropical beauty and biodiversity. Go birding in Costa Rica and these truths becomes evident upon arrival. Take a look around and whether heading to a hotel near San Jose or watching macaws on the Pacific coast, beautiful mountain scenery is always visible. Some of those mountains are volcanoes (most are dormant or extinct), others have been uplifted by a meeting of continents. Either way, the green peaks are topped with forest and they beckon with birds.

In no particular order, these are ten fantastic benefits of birding above 7,000 feet in Costa Rica:

More Than 35 Endemics

At least 37 species of birds are endemic to the high mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Even better, most are common! We love to show these special birds to our clients.

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Hummingbirds with Fiery Throats

The Fiery-throated Hummingbird is one of the signature hummingbird species of Costa Rica's high elevation habitats.Although the colors on its throat aren't visible until light hits it at the right angle, the wait is worth it!

The Big and Beautiful Talamanca Hummingbird

The Fiery-throated Hummingbird i sn't the only bird living large in the high elevations of Costa Rica. Formerly lumped with the Magnificent Hummingbird of Mexico and the southeastern USA, based on differences in plumage, voice, and range, the Talamanca Hummingbird was recognized as a species unique to the high mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama.