While our mountain retreat offers stunning views of the Costa Rican landscape, the avian stars of the show here are undoubtedly the resident birds. But venture beyond the lush rainforest and explore the sun-drenched coasts, and you might encounter a truly magnificent creature – the White-tailed Tropicbird.

Oceanic Wanderers

Unlike many of the birds you’ll find at our retreat, the White-tailed Tropicbird is a creature of the open sky. These medium-sized seabirds, with a wingspan reaching nearly a meter, are built for soaring over vast stretches of ocean. Their streamlined bodies and long, narrow wings allow them to stay aloft for extended periods, effortlessly navigating the warm currents of the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Spotting a Celestial Charioteer

Seeing a White-tailed Tropicbird is a truly unforgettable experience. Their plumage is a marvel of contrasting colors – a dazzling white body accented by bold black markings on the wings and a black eye mask. But the most striking feature is undoubtedly their namesake – the long, white tail streamers. These elegant feathers can more than double the bird’s total length, making them a sight to behold as they glide effortlessly through the azure sky.

Their scientific name, Phaethon lepturus, translates from ancient Greek to “sun-bright with a slender tail,” a fitting description for these celestial charioteers.

A Life on the Wing

White-tailed Tropicbirds are adept aerial predators, plunging from great heights to snatch fish, squid, and other marine creatures from the surface of the water. Their bills, ranging from orange-yellow to orange-red, are perfectly adapted for spearing their prey.

While they spend most of their lives soaring above the waves, they do come to land to breed. Unlike the rainforest birds you might see at our retreat, White-tailed Tropicbirds prefer to nest on isolated islands with rocky cliffs or even in crevices on mainland coasts. Their courtship displays are a sight to behold, with males performing elaborate aerial acrobatics to impress potential mates.

A Glimpse of Paradise

Unfortunately, due to their preference for nesting on remote islands, White-tailed Tropicbirds are not a common sight in Costa Rica. However, if you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean coast, particularly around the idyllic beaches of Guanacaste or Puntarenas, you might just be lucky enough to spot these magnificent birds soaring high above the turquoise waters.

Even if you don’t encounter a White-tailed Tropicbird on your Costa Rican adventure, the incredible diversity of birdlife in our country is sure to leave you awestruck. From the vibrant toucans of the rainforest to the majestic hawks circling the mountain peaks, there’s a feathered friend waiting to be discovered around every corner. So keep your eyes peeled, and who knows, you might just spot a rare visitor like the White-tailed Tropicbird, a reminder of the wonders that lie beyond the mountains.

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

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