Costa Rica has a great variety of birds thanks to its geographical location in the Central American isthmus, being a biological bridge between the Neoartic and Neotropical regions and thanks to its varied topography, climate and vegetation. All these are factors that give this country such a variety of forests and ecosystems that provide habitats and food for an amazing quantity of bird species. With more than 850 species of birds, all found within a tight geographic area, Costa Rica offers birders of all levels of expertise a matchless bird watching experience during their stay in the country.
Thanks to the excellent diversity of birds living in a variety of habitats that are easily accessible, to the availability of knowledgeable, local guides, and to safe, convenient trails, Costa Rica has become one of the worlds' most popular birdwatching destinations. Few, if any, birdwatchers leave the country without having exceeded their highest expectations in a tropical country!
When you go birding nearVolcano Arenal you should watch for ant swarms, a tropical phenomena in which migrating groups of vicious army ants stir up other insects and even small animals as they move along the forest floor. Ant swarms are accompanied by a number of bird species, which feast not on the army ants but on the insects they stir up. Species most frequently seen with an ant swarm are antbirds, tanagers, manakins and wrens.
