As you take a deep breath of fresh mountain air here at our Costa Rican retreat, you might be surprised to learn that our incredible biodiversity extends far beyond the lush rainforests blanketing our slopes. Here in the heart of Central America, mountains meet coastlines, creating a rich habitat for a stunning array of avian wonders. Today, we set our sights on the magnificent Brown Pelican, a majestic resident of Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean shores.
A Coastal Masterpiece
The Brown Pelican is a sight to behold. With a wingspan reaching up to 8 feet and a body measuring around 4 feet, it’s the smallest pelican species, but its size is nothing to scoff at. Its plumage is a beautiful blend of browns and grays, accented by a crisp white head often crowned with a splash of yellow or light brown. Their piercing yellow eyes scan the ocean depths, while their black webbed feet propel them effortlessly through the water.
Kings of the Catch
Brown Pelicans are a marvel of aerial hunting. Soaring along the coastlines in graceful V formations, they meticulously scan the turquoise waters below. Once they spot a fish swimming near the surface, the real show begins. With a spectacular plunge, they plummet headfirst into the water, their enormous pouch acting as a net to scoop up their unsuspecting prey. Their success rate is impressive – thanks to their keen eyesight and specialized anatomy, they rarely miss a fish within a pelican-body-length of the surface.
A Tale of Two Coasts
While Brown Pelicans can be spotted along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica, the Pacific reigns supreme for these feathered fishers. Here at our mountain retreat, while you won’t find them soaring past our balconies, a day trip to the Pacific Coast unveils a breathtaking spectacle. Look out for them gliding in majestic formations, their silhouettes stark against the vibrant sunset. The Gulf of Nicoya and Isla Bolaños off Santa Rosa National Park are particularly well-known for their Brown Pelican colonies.
Island Sanctuaries
Brown Pelicans are social creatures, nesting, roosting, and feeding in large groups. This social behavior makes them particularly reliant on safe nesting sites. Thankfully, Costa Rica provides them with a haven in the form of offshore islands. These isolated sanctuaries, free from terrestrial predators, are crucial for the Brown Pelican’s breeding success. Isla Guayabo in the Gulf of Nicoya is a prime example, teeming with these magnificent birds during breeding season.
A Glimpse of Coastal Brilliance
The Brown Pelican is a reminder that Costa Rica’s ecological wonders extend far beyond the emerald embrace of our mountains. A trip to the coast offers the chance to witness these aerial acrobats in their natural habitat, a breathtaking display of grace, power, and the beauty of the natural world. So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a change of scenery, consider a coastal adventure. You might just spot a Brown Pelican diving for its dinner, a memory that will stay with you long after you return to the tranquility of our mountain retreat.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
