Monteverde is renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to almost 500 species, from dazzling hummingbirds to iconic Resplendent Quetzals. The changing seasons bring dynamic migrations and unique behaviors, making each month a distinct experience for bird enthusiasts.
Guests at Ocotea Boutique Hotel can enjoy nearby birdwatching opportunities, with guided tours that increase the chances of spotting these stunning birds in their natural habitats. The hotel’s lush gardens are also a haven for small species like hummingbirds, offering incredible close-up views.
Let’s take a month-by-month journey through the avian wonders that await in Monteverde.
The New Year in Monteverde is heralded by the arrival of the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno). These magnificent birds, with their iridescent green plumage and long tail feathers, are often considered symbols of Costa Rica's natural beauty. In January, quetzals begin to return to their nesting sites, favoring the cool cloud forests of Monteverde.
Early morning guided tours provide the best chance to spot these captivating creatures perched among fruiting trees, indulging in their favorite treat—wild avocados. Keep an eye out for these charismatic birds during guided birdwatching tours.
As February arrives, the famed Resplendent Quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno) start their courtship rituals. Males with shimmering emerald plumage and long tail feathers perform intricate dances to attract mates. Monteverde’s cool, misty mornings provide a perfect setting for spotting this Central American treasure.
Guests at Ocotea Boutique Hotel can enjoy nearby birdwatching opportunities, with guided tours that increase the chances of spotting this stunning bird in action.
March marks the arrival of several migratory birds, painting Monteverde’s forests with vibrant hues. The Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia), a cheerful golden songbird, flits among blossoming trees. The Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii), with its striking red-and-black plumage, and its cousin, the Passerini's Tanager, make their presence known in lush forested areas.
Adding to the spectacle are the Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra), with its brilliant red feathers, the elegant Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) with its fiery throat markings, and the subtly striking Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia), which darts along branches with its zebra-like patterns. March mornings are alive with birdsong, offering a visual and auditory delight for bird enthusiasts.
Click here to hear the beautiful call of the Yellow Warbler, so you can recognize it on your tour!
Monteverde’s iconic Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus) is well into its nesting season in April. Its distinctive metallic call echoes through the cloud forest, a sound as unique as the bird’s appearance. Look for males perched high in the canopy, showcasing their wattles as they sing to attract mates.
As the wet season begins, Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) dominate the skies with their graceful aerial displays. This is also a time when Monteverde’s forest floor comes alive with ground-dwelling birds like the Buff-fronted Quail-Dove (Zentrygon costaricensis), which can be spotted near trails.
By June, fledgling Emerald Toucanets (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) emerge from their nests and begin their first forays into the forest. They learn to fly and forage under the watchful eyes of their parents. It’s an exciting time to witness young birds like the Emerald Toucanet making their first flights. Their soft, croaking calls make them easy to identify during guided walks.
July brings the dramatic aerial displays of White-collared Swifts (Streptoprocne zonaris). These large, fast-flying birds can be seen darting through Monteverde's skies, often in synchronized flocks that seem to dance with the wind. Known for their agility and speed, white-collared swifts are a captivating sight during the rainy season as they navigate the misty forest canopies in search of insects. For birders, July offers a chance to admire these masters of flight against the stunning backdrop of Monteverde’s cloud forests.
July also offers opportunities to spot Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor), a large, turkey-like bird endemic to Costa Rica and Panama.
Monteverde’s streams and ponds host Green Kingfishers (Chloroceryle americana), which dive dramatically into the water to catch small fish. These birds share their habitat with the striking White-throated Crake (Laterallus albigularis), often heard but rarely seen skulking in wetland vegetation.
Monteverde becomes a migration hotspot as thousands of Broad-winged Hawks (Buteo platypterus) and Swainson’s Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) pass through on their journey south. The awe-inspiring sight of these raptors soaring overhead is one of the season’s highlights.
By February, Monteverde’s cloud forests are buzzing — literally — with hummingbirds. Monteverde’s flowering plants attract one of Costa Rica’s largest hummingbirds, the Violet Saberwing (Campylopterus hemileucurus).
These majestic creatures, measuring up to six inches long, can be spotted flitting between blossoms in the forest canopy. The month also brings sightings of the Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps), known for its striking tail “rackets.”
Rainy October offers rare encounters with Monteverde’s elusive Bare-necked Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus glabricollis). These birds, with their prominent crests and bare red throats, can be found foraging in fruiting trees. The cloud forest’s quiet atmosphere during this month enhances the chance for intimate birding experiences.
To learn more about this striking and unique bird, click here!
December welcomes migratory warblers like the Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) and Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata). These small, colorful birds find refuge in Monteverde’s forests, adding festive charm to the holiday season.
No matter the month, Monteverde’s birding opportunities are unparalleled. The expert guides in the area, many of whom are part of a local network of birding enthusiasts, provide insights into the region’s avian wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, every visit to Monteverde promises a new adventure.