Birds
of Costa Rica
The
following list of birds
of Quepos was compiled by lodge caretaker, Marc Dragiewicz,
during a 6-month detailed study from August 2002 through
February 2003. Despite the lengthy and in-depth wilderness
exploration, the list is far from complete and a work in
progress. Nearly every trip into the forest uncovers another
species, illustrating the incredible diversity of the vast
unspoiled wilds of Costa Rica.
The
lodge sits at about 600 feet elevation in a valley of mostly
primary, wet forest. Additional species that prefer highly
disturbed habitats can be sighted along the road between
Quepos and the lodge. The lodge property is only a small
part of a much larger protected area, which consists of
a vast, hilly, wilderness with corridors to much higher
elevations.
There are two trails excellent for birding
that begin at the lodge. One leads up the valley peaking
at 1000 ft. along abandoned farms and primary forest. It
is excellent for canopy flocks and beautiful views of virgin
rainforest canopy. The other trail begins in a small pasture
where many disturbed habitat species can be seen. It quickly
enters primary forest and climbs to about 2000 ft. 
to
the crest of a hill near the lodge. It is excellent for
understory flocks and forest birds. There is a view of Manual
Antonio National Park and Quepos from the peak. A trail
leading down the other side of the hill provides access
to drier forest, which promises to hold many new species
for the list. Other trails accessing deeper forest or higher
elevations may be accessible with greater effort.
The taxonomy of this list follows Stiles and
Skutch’s order presented in A Guide to the Birds of
Costa Rica.
Special
thanks to Just
Birds Photographers for all of the beautiful photos
on this page.
* Indicates sightings from the lodge patio
or garden
(m) Indicates elevational or latitudinal migrant species
not present year round
