Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fauna
Though tropical in nature - with a substantial number of tropical animals such as poison-
dart frogs and spider monkeys - Costa Rica is also the winter home for more than 200 spe-
cies of migrating bird that arrive from as far away as Alaska and Australia. Don't be sur-
prised to see one of your familiar backyard birds feeding alongside trogons and toucans.
Birds are one of the primary attractions for naturalists, who scan endlessly for birds of
every color, from strawberry red scarlet macaws to the iridescent jewels called violet sab-
rewings (a type of hummingbird). Because many birds in Costa Rica have restricted
ranges, you are guaranteed to find different species everywhere you travel.
Visitors will almost certainly see one of Costa Rica's four types of monkey or two types
of sloth, but there are an additional 230 types of mammal awaiting the patient observer.
More exotic sightings might include the amazing four-eyed opossum or silky anteater,
while a lucky few might spot the elusive tapir, or have a jaguarundi cross their path. The
extensive network of national parks, wildlife refuges and other protected areas are prime
places to spot wildlife.
If you are serious about observing birds and animals, the value of a knowledgeable
guide cannot be underestimated. Their keen eyes are trained to notice the slightest move-
ment in the forest, and they recognize the many exotic sounds. Most professional bird
guides are proficient in the dialects of local birds, greatly improving your chances of hear-
ing or seeing these species.
No season is a bad one for exploring Costa Rica's natural environment, though most
visitors arrive during the peak dry season, when trails are less muddy and more accessible.
An added bonus of visiting between December and February is that many of the wintering
migrant birds are still hanging around. A trip after the peak season means fewer birds, but
this is a stupendous time to see dried forests transform into vibrant greens and it's also
when resident birds begin nesting.
