High above the turquoise embrace of the Pacific Ocean, a dark silhouette dances on the wind currents. This, my fellow nature enthusiasts, is the Christmas shearwater, a captivating creature that graces the skies of Costa Rica – but not necessarily the Costa Rica you might be picturing.

Unlike the vibrant rainforests and toucan-filled trees most associate with our country, the Christmas shearwater prefers the vast expanse of the open ocean. While you won’t find them flitting through the trees at our mountain retreat, these incredible birds are part of the rich tapestry of Costa Rican biodiversity, and their story is certainly worth diving into.

A Creature of Mystery

The Christmas shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis) is a medium-sized seabird, cloaked in a blanket of dark brown feathers. Their slender bodies and long wings, reaching up to 75 cm, propel them effortlessly across the waves. Despite their presence in Costa Rican waters, particularly around the remote Isla del Coco, these birds remain somewhat of an enigma. Their remote nesting habits on islands far out in the Pacific, coupled with their less frequent ventures close to shore, make them a challenge for researchers.

Masters of the Open Ocean

Christmas shearwaters are truly pelagic birds, meaning they spend most of their lives far from land. They are adept gliders, riding the updrafts and thermals that skim the ocean’s surface. Their powerful wings propel them in long, sweeping arcs, barely dipping a foot into the water as they search for food. Speaking of food, these birds are opportunistic feeders, targeting fish, squid, and crustaceans that near the surface. They often follow schools of predatory fish, which drive prey to the surface, making for an easier meal.

A Glimpse of Paradise

While spotting a Christmas shearwater from the shores of Costa Rica is uncommon, boat tours venturing out to Isla del Coco offer a much higher chance of encountering these fascinating creatures. Imagine this: you’re cruising along the crystal-clear waters, the sun warming your face, when a dark shape streaks overhead, its wings carving through the air with practiced ease. That, my friends, could be the Christmas shearwater, gracing you with a fleeting glimpse of its ocean-faring life.

Silent Sentinels of the Deep

Unlike the raucous calls that fill the Costa Rican rainforest, the Christmas shearwater is a creature of relative quiet. Their vocalizations are mainly reserved for breeding colonies, located on remote islands like Cocos Island. Here, in the cover of darkness, they emit low moans and whistles, a form of communication that remains somewhat of a mystery to ornithologists.

The Future of the Shearwater

Thankfully, the Christmas shearwater is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, threats like longline fishing and habitat degradation on nesting islands remain a concern. As responsible eco-tourists, we can all play a role in ensuring the continued survival of these remarkable birds.

So, while you may not encounter the Christmas shearwater at our mountain retreat, remember that Costa Rica’s biodiversity extends far beyond the rainforest. The next time you find yourself on a boat tour, keep your eyes peeled for these enigmatic seabirds, silent sentinels soaring above the vast Pacific.

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