While our mountain retreat offers a stunning view of Costa Rica’s highlands, for a truly unique birdwatching experience, we must turn our gaze to the coast. Today, we venture into the open waters surrounding the country, where a magnificent avian acrobat takes center stage: the Red-billed Tropicbird.

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These spectacular seabirds are very different from the colorful songbirds you might expect to find in the tropical forest canopy. With a wingspan reaching up to 1.2 meters and long white tail feathers that can double the length of their body, Red-billed Tropicbirds are truly impressive aerial athletes. Their plumage is a study in contrasts: a dazzling white body offset by bold black markings on the wings and back, a dramatic black facial mask, and, of course, the bright red bill that gives them their name.

Unlike many of the birds you’ll find at our retreat, Red-billed Tropicbirds are rarely seen from land. They prefer the open sea, effortlessly gliding on air currents over 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 wingbeats followed by long glides.

Red-billed Tropicbirds not only own the skies but are also skilled divers. When they spot prey, often fish or squid, they dive headfirst from incredible heights, tucking in their long tail for an aerodynamic descent. The impact can be so strong that 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 a single egg on a bare surface or shallow scrape.

While Red-billed Tropicbirds have a wide distribution in 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 surrounding ecosystems.

So, the next time you visit Costa Rica, consider venturing beyond the mountains to see the Red-billed Tropicbird. With a bit of luck and a keen eye, you might 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 the “National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America” for detailed information on Red-billed Tropicbirds and their distribution.
• If you’re planning a trip to the coast, look for boat tours specializing in wildlife observation. You might see a Red-billed Tropicbird in its natural habitat!

Para obtener más información, consulte nuestra guía completa sobre las aves de Costa Rica.