High in the mountains of Costa Rica, where clouds brush the treetops and the air cools in the evening, you might not expect to hear the call of a seabird. Yet, for the critically endangered Black-capped Petrel, also known as Diablotín by locals, these peaks are a crucial part of its life cycle.
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Unlike the colorful macaws and chattering parrots that adorn our tropical forests, the Black-capped Petrel is an enigmatic creature. It spends most of its life gliding over the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea, returning to land only under the cover of night to breed.
A Ghostly Visitor
These long-winged birds (with a wingspan reaching up to 94 cm!) have a distinctive black cap, often extending over their eyes, contrasting with their gray-brown back and white underside. Their arrival at mountain nesting sites coincides with the cool nights of November, and their haunting calls – a prolonged « awwww » that rises in pitch and sometimes ends with a donkey-like bray – echo in the darkness. This nocturnal behavior has earned them the nickname diablotín, fueled by their strange cries and night visits.
An Aerial Life
Although sightings in our mountain refuge are rare, their presence is a testament to the rich diversity of Costa Rica’s ecosystems. These birds are masters of the ocean, spending their days effortlessly gliding on air currents, using their keen eyesight to snatch squid and other delights from the surface. Their ability to cover long distances is impressive – they roam the Caribbean, reaching waters as far north as the eastern United States.
A Fight for Survival
Unfortunately, the Black-capped Petrel faces an uncertain future. Once abundant, their numbers have plummeted due to excessive hunting and the introduction of mammalian predators like rats and mongooses. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their nesting sites and raise public awareness about this unique bird.
A Song of Hope
Even if you may not see a Black-capped Petrel soaring above our mountain lodge, its presence reminds us of our planet’s interconnectedness. The pristine mountain slopes it chooses for breeding are a vital part of its survival story. Here, in our refuge, we strive to create a haven for all of Costa Rica’s wildlife, and the Black-capped Petrel, though rarely seen, is an essential part of the tapestry of life that surrounds us.
Listen to the Night
Next time you spend a cool evening in our refuge, take a moment to listen to the nocturnal symphony. You might hear the supernatural song of the Black-capped Petrel, a fleeting echo of the vast ocean carried by the mountain breeze.
Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter notre guide complet sur les oiseaux du Costa Rica.
