While our mountain retreat offers stunning views and incredible biodiversity, birders looking for a taste of the coast should add the Blue-footed Booby to their Costa Rican wishlist. This charismatic seabird isn’t found soaring through our mountain valleys, but their vibrant presence graces the tropical shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Dazzling Displays and Aquatic Acrobatics

The Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) is a captivating sight, easily identified by its namesake feature – bright blue feet! These aren’t just for show, though. The intensity of the blue is a sexually selected trait, with males boasting the most vibrant hues to impress potential mates. Their elaborate courtship ritual involves strutting and lifting their colorful feet high, a dazzling display that’s sure to leave you mesmerized.

Masters of the Dive

But the Blue-footed Booby isn’t just a pretty face (or, well, feet). These seabirds are incredible aerial hunters, specializing in spectacular dives for fish. Soaring high above the ocean, they spot schools of sardines, anchovies, or mackerel and then plummet headfirst into the water, sometimes from breathtaking heights. Their streamlined bodies and sharp bills make them masters of the underwater chase.

Island Homes and Social Gatherings

Blue-footed Boobies are colonial nesters, preferring to raise their chicks on islands off the coast of Costa Rica, most notably in the Gulf of Papagayo and the iconic Galapagos Islands. Here, they create large colonies, building simple nests on the ground or in low vegetation. Despite their clumsy appearance on land, they’re incredibly social creatures, often seen gathering in large groups on beaches and rocky outcrops.

Witnessing the Wonder

While you won’t find these aquatic acrobats at our mountain retreat, birding enthusiasts can plan a coastal adventure during their Costa Rican visit. Boat tours or wildlife cruises offer excellent opportunities to see Blue-footed Boobies in their natural habitat.

Beyond the Booby

Costa Rica boasts over 800 bird species, making it a true paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers alike. From the emerald plumage of the Resplendent Quetzal to the comical antics of the Toucan, there’s an incredible diversity to discover. So, while you unwind and reconnect with nature in our mountain sanctuary, keep an eye out for the feathered wonders flitting through the trees. And if you ever find yourself by the coast, remember the dazzling Blue-footed Booby – a vibrant reminder of the rich tapestry of life that Costa Rica offers.

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

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)