Latin Etymology: Basiliscus ("little king") basiliscus ("little king")
Adult female Common Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025
Featured Subspecies: Basiliscus basiliscus barbouri
Weight: 70-400g / Length: 76cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
A species renowned for its ability to "walk on water" to escape from predators - actually more of a run achieved by large hind feet which when running on their hind legs create air pockets which displace water in such a way that they can push off the water's surface. Younger individuals can run 10-20m, though as they get older and larger this distance decreases.
Related Species:
- Sighting Locations -
Widespread on Pacific half of country
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles and in San Jose
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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