Southern Costa Rica: Avian Richness and Key Birding Zones
General description of the region
This region includes La Gamba, Golfito, Dominical, Hacienda Barú, Rivas (Pérez Zeledón), San Vito, Coto Brus (Las Cruces Biological Station), Corcovado National Park, and Las Pangas, primarily in Puntarenas Province with some areas in San José Province.
Ranges from sea level (Golfito, Dominical, Corcovado) up to 1,400 m in San Vito and Pérez Zeledón.
Highly humid tropical and cloud forest climate with significant rainfall throughout the year, especially from May to November.
- Coastal zones: 26°C to 32°C
- Mid-elevation: 18°C to 25°C
- Highland zones: Cool mornings, misty afternoons (12°C to 20°C)
Dense forests in Corcovado, Golfito, and La Gamba host many rare and endemic species.
Las Cruces and Rivas provide cool, misty conditions rich in biodiversity, ideal for highland species.
Las Pangas Marsh and Dominical support marshland and aquatic birdlife such as crakes and rails.
Explore available tours in Southern Costa Rica
Local species and special targets
Common & Endemic Birds:
Fiery-billed Aracari, Turquoise Cotinga, Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Yellow-billed Cotinga, Great Curassow, Baird’s Trogon.
Rare & Secretive Species:
Paint-billed Crake, Ocellated Crake, Bran-colored Flycatcher, Bare-crowned Antbird, Savanna Hawk.
Endemic or Near-endemic:
Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager (Osa Peninsula), Yellow-billed Cotinga (CR-Pacific), Turquoise Cotinga (CR-Panama).
