Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, we take pride in the symphony of birdsong that fills the air each morning. But the avian diversity of Costa Rica extends far beyond the vibrant residents of the rainforest canopy. Today, we set our sights on a voyager of the high seas, a bird that only graces our Pacific shores with its presence for a short window each year – the Parkinson’s petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni).
While not a resident of Costa Rica, this medium-sized, all-black petrel can be spotted by keen birders venturing offshore during the non-breeding season, roughly between May and September. Despite its name, the Parkinson’s petrel is rarely seen near Parkinson’s disease namesake, Dr. James Parkinson. Instead, it breeds on islands far off in New Zealand, making its long-distance migration to Costa Rican waters a true marvel of the avian world.
Black Beauty of the Open Ocean
The Parkinson’s petrel is a sight to behold. Its sleek, black plumage is unbroken except for a dark-tipped yellowish bill. This dark coloration makes it a master of camouflage against the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. With a wingspan of up to 5 feet, it glides effortlessly on air currents, a true denizen of the open seas.
A Life on the Move
Parkinson’s petrels are colonial burrow nesters, raising their chicks on remote islands in New Zealand during the southern hemisphere’s summer. Once breeding season is over, they embark on an incredible journey, traversing vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean.
While the exact route they take remains somewhat of a mystery, sightings of Parkinson’s petrels off the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, and even as far north as Mexico confirm their impressive migratory range. Here in Costa Rica, these ocean wanderers can be seen far offshore, particularly near shelf break edges and seamounts where upwelling currents bring food closer to the surface.
Masters of the Marine Buffet
These pelagic predators are adept at finding food in the vast expanse of the ocean. They feed by dipping and skimming the surface, snatching up small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They may also follow dolphins and whales, taking advantage of feeding opportunities created by these larger marine mammals.
A Glimpse of the Mysterious
Spotting a Parkinson’s petrel is a rare treat for Costa Rican birders. However, with a little planning and a boat trip out to deeper waters, particularly during the June to August window, you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this fascinating visitor from afar.
The next time you’re gazing out at the vastness of the Pacific Ocean from the shores of Costa Rica, remember – there might be more than meets the eye. High above the waves, these enigmatic travelers from New Zealand may be soaring by, a testament to the incredible journeys undertaken by birds in our amazing world.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
