Cahuita National Park

Birds

Cahuita National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a rich variety of tropical birds inhabiting its coastal forests, wetlands, and beaches. From vibrant toucans to stealthy raptors, the park offers plenty of opportunities to observe these incredible avian species.

Keel-Billed Toucan
One of the most iconic birds of Costa Rica, the keel-billed toucan is known for its oversized, multicolored beak. This fruit-loving bird moves through the treetops in small flocks, emitting loud, frog-like calls.

Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan
Larger than the keel-billed toucan, this species has a striking yellow throat and a powerful bill. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small reptiles, playing a key role in seed dispersal within the forest.

Great Green Macaw
A stunning and endangered parrot, the great green macaw has vibrant green feathers and a strong beak for cracking open almonds. Cahuita is one of the few places where these majestic birds can still be seen in the wild.

Scarlet Macaw
Famous for their brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage, scarlet macaws are highly social and often travel in pairs or small flocks. Their loud calls make them easy to spot in the park’s treetops.

Slaty-Tailed Trogon
This beautiful bird has a green body, a red belly, and striking dark tail feathers. It prefers the dense foliage of the rainforest and is often seen perched quietly, waiting for insects and fruit.

Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird
A common but dazzling sight, this hummingbird has iridescent green feathers and a reddish tail. It flits quickly between flowers, feeding on nectar and playing a vital role in pollination.

Lineated Woodpecker
A striking black-and-white woodpecker with a red crest, the lineated woodpecker is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud drumming on tree trunks. It uses its strong beak to extract insects from wood.

Black-Crowned Night Heron
A stealthy, nocturnal hunter, this heron can be found in Cahuita’s wetlands and coastal areas. It has a hunched posture and striking red eyes, which help it spot prey in the dark.

Magnificent Frigatebird
Often seen soaring above the park’s beaches, this seabird has long, slender wings and a distinctive red throat pouch, which males inflate to attract mates. It is known for its impressive aerial agility and ability to snatch food from other birds.

Osprey
A powerful fish-eating raptor, the osprey can be seen diving into Cahuita’s waters to catch fish with its sharp talons. Its white underparts and distinctive dark eye stripe make it easy to identify.

Cahuita National Park offers an incredible variety of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

White-Faced Capuchin Monkey
These intelligent and social primates are often spotted swinging through the trees of Cahuita’s coastal forests. They have distinctive white fur on their faces and shoulders, contrasting with their black bodies, and are known for their curiosity and mischievous nature.

Mantled Howler Monkey
Recognizable by their deep, guttural howls, which can be heard from miles away, these monkeys have black fur with a golden-brown mantle on their backs. They spend most of their time in the treetops, feeding on leaves and fruits.

Three-Toed Sloth
Cahuita is home to both the brown-throated three-toed sloth, which is famous for its slow movements and peaceful demeanor. With long limbs and curved claws, they are well-adapted to life in the trees, where they blend perfectly with their surroundings.

Hoffmann’s Two-Toed Sloth
Slightly larger and more nocturnal than their three-toed relatives, these sloths have shaggy fur and are often seen clinging to tree branches. They are more active at night and have a diet consisting of leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Neotropical River Otter
These playful and agile swimmers inhabit the rivers and coastal areas of the park. With sleek, water-resistant fur and webbed feet, they are expert hunters of fish and crustaceans.

Northern Tamandua
A tree-dwelling anteater, the northern tamandua has a striking black-and-gold coat. It uses its long, sticky tongue to extract ants and termites from nests, playing an important role in controlling insect populations.

Green Iguana
This large, herbivorous reptile is commonly seen basking in the sun or resting on tree branches. Despite their intimidating size, green iguanas are harmless and play a vital role in seed dispersal through their plant-based diet.

Eyelash Viper
A small but highly venomous snake, the eyelash viper is named for the distinctive scale projections above its eyes. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, green, and red, and rely on their camouflage to ambush prey.

American Crocodile
Found in the brackish waters and coastal lagoons of Cahuita, these crocodiles can grow up to 16 feet in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are generally shy and avoid human interaction.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
This critically endangered species is known for its beautiful shell and plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy coral reefs. Hawksbill turtles are frequent visitors to Cahuita’s protected waters, where they forage for sponges and other marine organisms.