While our mountain retreat offers stunning views of the Costa Rican highlands, for a truly unique birdwatching experience, we have to set our sights on the coast. Today, we venture out to the open waters surrounding the country, where a magnificent avian acrobat takes center stage – the Red-billed Tropicbird.

These spectacular seabirds are a far cry from the colorful songbirds you might expect to find in the rainforest canopy. With a wingspan reaching up to 4 feet and long, white tail feathers that can double their body length, Red-billed Tropicbirds are truly impressive aerialists. Their plumage is a study in contrasts – a dazzling white body offset by bold black markings on their wings and back, a dramatic black facial mask, and of course, the vibrant red bill that gives them their name.

Unlike many of the birds you’ll encounter at our retreat, Red-billed Tropicbirds are rarely seen from land. They prefer the open ocean, soaring effortlessly on air currents high above the waves. While sightings are uncommon, they are not impossible. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, keep an eye out for their characteristic flight pattern – a combination of powerful flaps followed by long glides.

Red-billed Tropicbirds are not just masters of the air, they’re also skilled divers. When they spot prey – often fish or squid – they plunge headfirst from incredible heights, tucking their long tails in for a streamlined descent. The impact can be so forceful, it creates a splash visible from afar!

These birds are social creatures, often seen in pairs or small groups. They perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics and loud calls that can sound like a series of squawks and whistles. Nesting takes place on remote islands and rocky cliffs, where they lay just a single egg on a bare surface or in a shallow scrape.

While Red-billed Tropicbirds have a wide range across the tropics, their populations are not massive. Habitat loss and introduced predators pose threats to these magnificent birds. Here in Costa Rica, conservation efforts are underway to protect nesting sites and their surrounding ecosystems.

So, the next time you visit Costa Rica, consider venturing beyond the mountains for a glimpse of the Red-billed Tropicbird. With a bit of luck and a keen eye, you might just witness this aerial marvel as it streaks across the vast canvas of the sky, a splash of red against the endless blue.

Want to Learn More?

• Check out the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America for detailed information on Red-billed Tropicbirds and their range.
• If you’re planning a trip to the coast, look for boat tours specializing in wildlife viewing. You might just spot a Red-billed Tropicbird in its natural habitat!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)