Here at the Costa Rican Retreat, nestled amidst the emerald embrace of the mountains, we often focus on the dazzling birdsong that fills the rainforest canopy. But Costa Rica’s avian diversity extends far beyond the jungle’s heart, reaching the windswept shores and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Today, we set our sights on a creature of the open seas, the Markham’s storm-petrel – a master of the ocean dance.

A Ghost of the Humboldt Current

The Markham’s storm-petrel is a seabird unlike any other found in Costa Rica. Unlike the toucans and brightly colored macaws that grace the rainforest, this bird is a creature of mystery, a dark silhouette flitting across the waves. Restricted to the cooler waters of the Humboldt Current, which brushes against Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, the Markham’s storm-petrel is rarely seen from land.

Oceanic Acrobat

But for those lucky enough to embark on a boat tour along the northern Pacific coast, a glimpse of this master of the skies is a possibility. With a wingspan reaching up to 54 cm (19 inches), the Markham’s storm-petrel soars effortlessly, its slender wings seemingly defying gravity. The deeply forked tail acts like a rudder, allowing for sharp turns and precise maneuvers as it skims the ocean’s surface, its feet occasionally pattering the water – a behavior that earned the genus its name, “Hydrobates,” meaning “water walker.”

Nighttime Visitor, Atacama Dweller

While the Markham’s storm-petrel spends its days dancing on the ocean currents, its true home lies hidden from human sight. Unlike most seabirds that nest on cliffs or islands, this bird is an underground dweller. Breeding colonies are found in the Atacama Desert, hundreds of kilometers south in Chile and Peru.

At night, these storm-petrels undertake incredible journeys, flying from the rich feeding grounds of the Humboldt Current to their desert nesting sites. Here, they find refuge in the natural crevices and burrows, often utilizing the abundant salt deposits of the Atacama to create their nests.

A Species in Need of Protection

The Markham’s storm-petrel may be a master of the open ocean, but it faces threats on land. Mining and road construction in the Atacama Desert can destroy nesting habitat. Thankfully, the species is classified as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN, and conservation efforts are underway to protect its unique breeding grounds.

A Glimpse into a Different World

While spotting a Markham’s storm-petrel from the shores of the Costa Rican Retreat is unlikely, a boat tour along the northern Pacific coast might just grant you a glimpse of this fascinating creature. Seeing this bird, a creature of the wind and waves, is a reminder of the incredible diversity of life that Costa Rica holds, not just within the rainforest canopy, but also along its vast and beautiful coastline.

So, the next time you find yourself on the shores of Costa Rica, keep your eyes peeled for a dark silhouette dancing on the waves. You might just be lucky enough to witness the magic of the Markham’s storm-petrel.

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