High up in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air hums with life and emerald valleys unfurl below, resides a captivating resident – the Green Kingfisher. This dazzling bird, a frequent visitor to the Cloud Forest Retreat, is a vibrant splash of color against the lush backdrop of our mountain paradise.

The Green Kingfisher, aptly named for its stunning plumage, boasts a coat of glistening emerald green on its upper body. Its underparts, however, offer a delightful surprise – a crisp white throat and breast, adorned with a band of white speckles in the case of females, or a warm rufous chest for the males. A long, dagger-like bill, the perfect tool for its predatory pursuits, completes this miniature marvel.

While not the most vocal bird, the Green Kingfisher does possess a distinct, high-pitched rattle that often betrays its presence before you even spot it. Perched patiently on a low-hanging branch overhanging a stream or pond, it keeps a watchful eye on the water’s surface. These quick and agile hunters specialize in diving headfirst to snatch unsuspecting prey – fish, insects, and even small crustaceans. Their impressive eyesight allows them to pinpoint their target from afar, and their powerful wings propel them into a swift, silent descent.

The Green Kingfisher is a solitary bird, but breeding pairs can be seen perched together, often on exposed branches or fence posts near water. Their courtship displays are a fascinating sight, with the male bobbing his head and presenting the female with captured prey. Once a nest cavity is excavated in an earthen bank, usually near water, the female lays a clutch of small, white eggs. Both parents take turns incubating and fiercely defend their young until they fledge.

At Cloud Forest Retreat, you’re highly likely to encounter this emerald wonder flitting through the trees bordering the property’s streams and ponds. Keep an eye out for its distinctive silhouette perched on a low branch, its head bobbing as it scans the water below. If you’re lucky, you might even witness its lightning-fast plunge as it secures its next meal.

The Green Kingfisher is a living jewel, a testament to the vibrancy of Costa Rica’s ecosystems. By protecting these stunning creatures and their habitats, we ensure that the magic of the cloud forest continues to enchant visitors for generations to come.

Tips for spotting the Green Kingfisher:

• Visit the retreat during the early morning or late afternoon hours, when these birds are most active.
• Look for them perched on low branches overhanging streams, ponds, or even ditches.
• Listen for their high-pitched rattle call, which can often give away their location.
• Bring binoculars for a closer look at their stunning plumage and impressive bill.

We hope this blog post has piqued your interest in the Green Kingfisher. We invite you to visit Cloud Forest Retreat and experience the magic of encountering this emerald gem firsthand!

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