Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s classic birding hotspots. Cloud forests are always a great place to see Resplendent Quetzal, Black Guans, and many other birds. The place is always beautiful, it’s always worth birding there but right now, it could be even a little better.
There are some sweet birding benefits for birding Monteverde today. Check it out.
Umbrellabird without a neck
In the past, Umbrellabirds rarely visited the Monteverde cloud forests. They lived close though, just a little lower on the Caribbean side of the mountains. There are several trails that descend from Monteverde and Santa Elean Reserve to reach those areas, especially the San Gerardo Biological Station.
This amazing place was once one of the most reliable places for the endangered crow-like cotinga. You can still see them there but, sadly, they don’t seem to frequent the lekking spot they used to.
However, these days, lucky birders can find umbrellas in more accessible places! Although not exactly common, a small number of Bare-necked Umbrellabirds use the cloud forests in Curi-Cancha and other reserves near Santa Elena. There have been recent sightings and the birds may remain until August or September.
As with other sites, seeing them requires a lot of luck but you can increase your chances by watching for fruit trees, especially those that are used by quetzals (because everyone wants a good avocado!).
Three-wattled Bellbird
Bellbirds live in several different parts of Costa Rica but Monteverde is the easiest place. Visit the Monteverde area from March to August and you should be able to hear their calls.
They can go to all kinds of places, even right out of town! The best way to spot them is to scan the canopy where you can and to track calling birds.
Oilbird
Oilbird? What?!? Oh yes. These nocturnal mystery birds are not common by any means but some Oilbirds seem to visit the Monteverde area every rainy season. I don’t know how many were there this year but I know at least one was seen.
There are probably many more. The best way to see them is to take a night tour, especially in the Monteverde Wildlife Reserve.
Azure-hooded Jay and the other Usual Good Birds
Yes, there are always plenty of other beautiful birds to watch in Monteverde. Recently, a Black Hawk-Eagle nests in the area and Ornate Hawk-Eagles are regularly seen.
Keep an eye on the trails and the forest floor in the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves and you might spot shy species like Black-breasted Wood-Quail, Highland Tinamou, quail-doves, and leaftossers.
The cloud forests are also the best places in Costa Rica to connect with the Azure-hooded Jay (which should also be parted eventually), and many other birds to watch as well. Even sites around and near town can be good!
Slightly More Elbow Room
Not to mention, these days, there are also fewer visitors than during the high season. You’ll still be sharing space in nature with a fair number of people but not nearly as many during the windy winter months.
Going to Costa Rica soon? I hope you make it to Monteverde! Hopefully, I will be able to visit that birdie area as well. Get my birding site guide for Costa Rica to learn more about birding sites in Monteverde as well as the rest of Costa Rica. Good birding, hope to see you here!
