Irazu Volcano National Park

Birds

The park is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, as its high-altitude forests and open landscapes support a variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.

Resplendent Quetzal
One of the most iconic birds of Costa Rica, the resplendent quetzal is famous for its shimmering green plumage and long tail feathers. It is primarily frugivorous, feeding on wild avocados and other fruits.

Volcano Junco
A high-altitude specialist, this small bird has a striking yellow eye ring and prefers the cool, windswept habitats of the park. It is often seen hopping along trails in search of seeds and insects.

Black-and-Yellow Silky-Flycatcher
This vibrant bird is known for its soft plumage and contrasting colors. It is commonly found in the park’s upper montane forests, feeding on insects and berries.

Sooty Thrush
A common sight in the park, the sooty thrush has dark brown plumage and a bright yellow bill. It is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, insects, and small invertebrates.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird
This dazzling hummingbird boasts an iridescent green body with a brilliant orange-red throat. It is an important pollinator, frequently seen darting between flowers in search of nectar.

Acorn Woodpecker
Recognizable by its black and white plumage with a bright red cap, this woodpecker is highly social and often seen storing acorns in tree trunks or even wooden structures.

Peg-billed Finch
A small, seed-eating bird with a distinctive short beak, the peg-billed finch prefers the high-altitude scrub and forest edges of the park.

Golden-browed Chlorophonia
This colorful species has bright green plumage with a striking golden-yellow brow. It primarily feeds on fruits and can be spotted flitting through the treetops.

Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher
With its soft, silky feathers and long tail, this elegant bird is often seen perched on tree branches, feeding on insects and small fruits.

Rufous-collared Sparrow
A familiar bird in Costa Rica’s highlands, this sparrow has a characteristic rufous neck patch and a melodic song. It is commonly found in open areas and near human settlements within the park.

Irazú Volcano National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity. Whether spotting mammals among the rugged terrain or watching colorful birds flit through the high-altitude forests, visitors are sure to experience the wonders of Costa Rica’s natural heritage.

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Irazú Volcano National Park, located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, is home to diverse wildlife that thrives in its high-altitude environment. The park, known for its towering volcano and breathtaking craters, provides a habitat for a variety of fascinating animal species, including mammals and reptiles.

Coyote
This adaptable carnivore is commonly seen roaming the park, especially in the early morning or late evening. Coyotes are opportunistic hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, and even fruits.

Red-tailed Squirrel
A striking species found in the park’s forests, this squirrel is recognized by its reddish fur and long bushy tail. It is an agile climber and primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, and nuts.

White-nosed Coati
A member of the raccoon family, the white-nosed coati is a social and curious animal often seen in groups. It has a long snout, used to forage for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.

Armadillo
The nine-banded armadillo is well-adapted to the park’s volcanic terrain, using its strong claws to dig for insects and small invertebrates. Its armored shell provides excellent protection from predators.

Ocelot
This small wild cat is an elusive predator of the park’s forests, hunting at night for rodents, birds, and reptiles. Its beautiful spotted coat provides excellent camouflage among the undergrowth.

Tamandua (Lesser Anteater)
With its long snout and powerful claws, the tamandua specializes in feeding on ants and termites. This nocturnal species is often found climbing trees in search of insect nests.

Northern Paca
A large rodent with a stout body and spotted fur, the paca is mainly nocturnal and feeds on fruits, seeds, and vegetation. It is an important seed disperser in the park’s ecosystem.

Rattlesnake
The park is home to the neotropical rattlesnake, a venomous reptile that relies on its heat-sensing pits to locate prey. It plays an essential role in controlling rodent populations.

Green Iguana
This large, herbivorous lizard can be found basking on tree branches in the warmer areas of the park. Green iguanas are excellent climbers and are known for their impressive spines and dewlaps.

Central American Agouti
This small, rodent-like mammal is commonly seen foraging on the forest floor. It plays a key role in seed dispersal and is known for its quick, darting movements when startled.

Birds

The park is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, as its high-altitude forests and open landscapes support a variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.

Resplendent Quetzal
One of the most iconic birds of Costa Rica, the resplendent quetzal is famous for its shimmering green plumage and long tail feathers. It is primarily frugivorous, feeding on wild avocados and other fruits.

Volcano Junco
A high-altitude specialist, this small bird has a striking yellow eye ring and prefers the cool, windswept habitats of the park. It is often seen hopping along trails in search of seeds and insects.

Black-and-Yellow Silky-Flycatcher
This vibrant bird is known for its soft plumage and contrasting colors. It is commonly found in the park’s upper montane forests, feeding on insects and berries.

Sooty Thrush
A common sight in the park, the sooty thrush has dark brown plumage and a bright yellow bill. It is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, insects, and small invertebrates.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird
This dazzling hummingbird boasts an iridescent green body with a brilliant orange-red throat. It is an important pollinator, frequently seen darting between flowers in search of nectar.

Acorn Woodpecker
Recognizable by its black and white plumage with a bright red cap, this woodpecker is highly social and often seen storing acorns in tree trunks or even wooden structures.

Peg-billed Finch
A small, seed-eating bird with a distinctive short beak, the peg-billed finch prefers the high-altitude scrub and forest edges of the park.

Golden-browed Chlorophonia
This colorful species has bright green plumage with a striking golden-yellow brow. It primarily feeds on fruits and can be spotted flitting through the treetops.

Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher
With its soft, silky feathers and long tail, this elegant bird is often seen perched on tree branches, feeding on insects and small fruits.

Rufous-collared Sparrow
A familiar bird in Costa Rica’s highlands, this sparrow has a characteristic rufous neck patch and a melodic song. It is commonly found in open areas and near human settlements within the park.

Irazú Volcano National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity. Whether spotting mammals among the rugged terrain or watching colorful birds flit through the high-altitude forests, visitors are sure to experience the wonders of Costa Rica’s natural heritage.