Here at our Costa Rican retreat, nestled amidst the lush rainforests and vibrant mountains, we tend to focus on the incredible avian diversity that thrives in our tropical paradise. But Costa Rica boasts a rich tapestry of ecosystems, and that includes stunning coastlines. Today, we take a detour from the emerald mountains and set our sights on a coastal dweller – the Belcher’s gull, a visitor from South America.

A Striking Beauty of the Pacific Coast

The Belcher’s gull (Larus belcheri), also known as the band-tailed gull, is a medium-sized gull gracing the Pacific shores of Costa Rica. With a wingspan reaching up to 48 inches, it’s a captivating sight soaring over the waves. Its plumage is a study in contrasts – a dark blackish mantle (the upper back and wings) stands out against the clean white underparts and head.

Look for a key feature – a bold black band adorning the tip of its otherwise white tail. The Belcher’s gull’s bill is a vibrant splash of color, boasting a yellow base with a distinctive red and black tip.

A Coastal Charmer

Unlike many Costa Rican birds that favor the rainforest interior, the Belcher’s gull is a creature of the coast. Its range stretches from northern Peru to northern Chile, and Costa Rica falls within its southernmost distribution. The cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current, which brushes the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, provide the perfect feeding grounds for this seabird.

The Belcher’s gull is a non-migratory bird, so you can expect to see it year-round along the Pacific coast. It thrives in a variety of coastal habitats – rocky shores, bays teeming with fish, and offshore islands. While it ventures out to sea for feeding forays, you can also spot it scavenging for food on exposed rocky areas during low tide.

Not Your Typical Rainforest Resident

While you won’t find the Belcher’s gull flitting through the trees at our mountain retreat, it’s a fantastic bird to include in your Costa Rican birding itinerary if you’re planning on exploring the Pacific coast. Here are some tips for spotting this coastal beauty:

• Hit the beaches: Look for the Belcher’s gull soaring over the waves or perched on rocky outcrops along the Pacific coast. Popular spots include Manuel Antonio National Park, Marino Ballena National Park, and Curuçá Wildlife Refuge.
• Boat tours: Joining a boat tour along the Pacific coast might offer you the chance to see the Belcher’s gull up close as it follows fishing boats or scavenges for scraps.
• Listen for its call: The Belcher’s gull has a loud, barking call that can help you locate it, even if it’s a distance away.

Spotting a Belcher’s gull might take you away from the verdant embrace of our mountain retreat, but it’s a wonderful reminder of the rich biodiversity that Costa Rica offers. From the rainforest canopy to the crashing waves, this beautiful country has something to enthrall every nature lover. So, keep your eyes peeled on the Pacific horizon – you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this striking visitor from the south.

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