Gartered Violaceous Trogon (Trogon caligatus)

OTHER NAMES: Gartered Trogon, Northen Violaceous Trogon
Latin Etymology: Trogon ("fruit eating") caligatus ("booted")

Gartered Violaceous Trogon (Trogon caligatus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Trogon caligatus sallaei
Weight: g/kg  /  Length: 23cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A striking species of trogon  with a vivid cadmium yellow chest, they are sexually dimorphic with the female being otherwise sooty grey with white barring, while the male has rich blue and turquoise tones on head and back, plus a yellow eye ring absent in females. They are more frugivorous than most trogons but still consume invertibrates as part of their diet.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Trogoniformes
Family: Trogonidae
Genus: Trogon
SUBSPECIES: T. c. sallaei, T. c. concinnus, T. c caligatus
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish -  Trogón Enligado
A widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles and Alajuela

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

OTHER NAMES: Rainbow-billed Toucan, Sulphur-breasted Toucan
Latin Etymology: Ramphastos ("snouted") sulfuratus ("sulphur coloured")

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Ramphastos sulfuratus brevicarinatus
Weight: 380-500g  /  Length: 42-55cm  /  Wingspan: 109-153cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Perhaps behind only the Toco Toucan the Keel-billed Toucan is an iconic member of that family. Their huge bill comproises a third of their length and is used as a versatile tool for feeding on anything from reptiles, invertibrates, eggs and fruit. They are a social species, usually living in small flocks which roost together in a single hole in a tree. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for the pet trade.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Piciformes
Family: Ramphastidae
Genus: Ramphastos
SUBSPECIES: R. s. brevicarinatus, R. s. sulfuratus
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Tucán Piquiverde ("Green-beaked Toucan")
A widespread but uncommon species
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)

OTHER NAMES: Boatbill
Latin Etymology: Cochlearius (a snail shaped spoon) cochlearius (a snail shaped spoon)

Juvenile Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Cochlearius cochlearius panamensis
Weight: 500-770g  /  Length: 54cm  /  Wingspan: 76cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

This bizarre looking heron is unique in that it is the only heron that attacks with a scooping motion rather than the typical spearing one. They are found around swamps, marshes and ponds with dense foliage around, and then hunt nocturnally thanks to their large eyes. Their range consists of Central America and most of Brazil on into it's neighbouring countries
 
Related Species: 
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Cochlearius
SUBSPECIES: C. c. zeledoni, C. c. phillipsi, C. c. ridgwayi, C. c. panamensis, C. c. cochlearius
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish (Costa Rica) - Pico Cuchara ("Spoonbeak")

Widespread resident of lowlands where appropraite habitat is found
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Common Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Piaya (Creole name for species) cayana (of Cayenne, French Guiana)

Common Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Piaya cayana thermophila
Weight: g/kg  /  Length: 43-46cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Named for its habit of clambering along branches with little flight involved, the squirrel cuckoo is an insectivore, particularly of larger insects like caterpillars and cicadas, although they will also take small lizards and amphibians. Unlike many cuckoos, they are not brood parasites, but construct their own nests by making a cup of leaves and twigs high in trees.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genugs: Piaya
SUBSPECIES: P. c. thermophila, P. c. nigricrissa, P. c. mehleri, P. c. mesura, P. c. circe, P. c. cayana, P. c. insulana, P. c. obscura, P. c. hellmayri, P. c. pallescens, P. c. cabanisi, P. c. macroura, P. c. mogenseni

 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Cucu Ardilla Común
A common and widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles and Alajuela

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Pygochelidon ("rump swallow") cyanoleuca ("blue and white")

Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleauca
Weight: 10g  /  Length: 11-12cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species with a vast range across of South America but the highest peaks of the Andes meets the most Northerly point of its range in Costa Rica. It is a versatile species which can be found from sea-level to 4000m altitude, building its nest in cavities both natural and man made. It is believed to have benefitted from human caused changes to habitat as deforestation has provided more of the open habitats it prefers.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Genus: Pygochelidon
SUBSPECIES: P. c. cyanoleaca, P. c. peuviana, P. c. patagonica
 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Golondrina Barranquera ("Burrowing Swallow")
A widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Spot-breasted Oriole (Icterus pectoralis)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Icterus (a yellow bird) pectoralis ("breast")

Spot-breasted Oriole (Icterus pectoralis) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Icterus pectoralis espinachi
Weight: 50g  /  Length: 21-24cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A vividly coloured species where, unlike many New World Orioles, both male and female are brightly coloured. Their native range is Mexico to North West Costa Rica, but, following being introduced to Miami they have also established a range in Florida. They feed primarily on nectar and fruit, soetimes supplemented with arthropods.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Icterus
SUBSPECIES: I. p. carolynae, I. p. pectoralis, I. p. guttulatus, I. p. espiachi
 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Turpial de Pecho Manchado

Found in North-West Costa Rica
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Grey-headed Chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Ortalis ("domestic hen") cinereiceps ("ash-grey foot")

Grey-headed Chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 490-540g  /  Length: 48-58cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A somewhat drab member of the cracidae found from Honduras to Colombia, with the exception of the orange primary feathers. They typically forage in small groups where the ysearch for fruits supplemented with leaves and invertebrates. Unlike most of the galliformes in Europe, they spend comparatively little of their time feeding on the ground, preferring rather to forage in bushes. In some areas their population is diminished due to hunting for food.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Galliformes
Family: Cracidae
Genus: Ortalis
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 

- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Chachalaca Cabecigris
A widespread resident.
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Myiarchus ("fly ruler") crinitus ("long haired")

 

Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 27-40g  /  Length: 17-21cm  /  Wingspan: 34cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The only one of Costa Rica's five regular myiarchus flycatchers to be migratory, spending Summers in Eastern USA and Canada, then returning to Central America for the Winter. It is differentiated from the other species visually by a pink base to its bill, barred wings and reddish on the tail and wings.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Myiarchus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Copetón Viajero 
A common and widespread winter visitor
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Myiozetetes ("fly searcher") similis ("similar")

 

Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Myiozetetes similis texensis
Weight: 24-27g  /  Length: 16-18.5cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

With a similar colour palette to the bolder and louder Great Kiskadee, it can be somewhat easy to skim over the more timid social flycatcher, but it is still in itself a widespread and adaptable species. They are versatile with altitude being found over 2200m and have a varied diet which includes invertebrates, berries and even the occasional small vertebrate like tadpoles.
 

Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Myiozetetes
SUBSPECIES: M. s. primulus, M. s. hesperis, M. s. texensis, M. s. columbianus, M. s. similis, M. s. grandis, M. s. pallidiventris

- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish (Costa Rica) - Mosquero Cejiblanco
Common resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles and Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus)

OTHER NAMES: Northern Streaked Flycatcher
Latin Etymology: Myiodynastes ("fly ruler") maculatus maculatus ("spotted")  

Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Myiodynastes maculatus difficilis
Weight: 35-50g  /  Length: 20-23cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern 

A species with unresolved taxonomy, with the solitarius subspecies possibly representing it's own species known as the Southern Streaked Flycatcher. They are a larger flycatcher species and will target larger prey such as cicadas, locusts and beetles, as well as small lizards on occasion. They prefer the edges of forests but are not selective about the type being found from mangroves to over 1000ft in altitude.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Myiodynastes

SUBSPECIES: M. insolens, M. m. difficilis, M. m. nobilis, M. m. chapmani, M. m. maculatus,M. m. tobagensis, M. m. solitarius 

- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish (Costa Rica) - Mosquero Listado ("Striped Flycatcher")
A widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles and Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Setophaga ("moth eating") pensylvanica ("of Pensilvania")

 

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 8-13g  /  Length: 10-14cm  /  Wingspan: 16-21cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern 

A long distance migrant that breeds in South East Canada, New england and the Great Lakes before migrating to Central America from the Yucutan to Panama for Wintering. The male has an unusual colour palette for a warbler with a white underside with terracotta red under the wings, black markings and a yellow crown making it easy to distinguish from other warblers. They are primarily predators of caterpillars and fly larvae.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Genus: Setophaga
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Renita de Pensilvania ("Pensilvanian Warbler")

A widespread species that Winters in most of Costa Rica except the North West.
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Amazilia (for a character in a novel) tzacatl (figure from Aztec myth)

Juvenile Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) at San Jose, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Amazilia tzacatl tzacatl
Weight: 5g  /  Length: 9-11cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most common and adaptable of Costa Rican hummingbirds, even found in urban streets of the capital where suitable foodsources are available. The female bird is solely responsible for nesting and not only builds the nest but incubates and caring for the chicks on her own. They are believed to actually benefit to some degree from human caused habitat change as they prefer more open spaces. 
 
Related Species: 
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Amazilia
SUBSPECIES: A. t. tzacatl, A. t. handleyi, A. t. fuscicaudata, A. t. brehmi, A. t. jucunda

 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish (Costa Rica) - Amazilia Rabirrufa

A common species in lowlands
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela and San Jose 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Pitangus (name for a species in Tupi language) sulphuratus ("sulphur coloured")

 

Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Pitangus sulphuratus guatimalensis
Weight: 53-71g  /  Length: 25-28cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A widespread species found from Southern Texas to Patagonia in every mainland country except Chile. On my visit to Costa Rica I personally found them to perhaps the most archetypal species of my birding there where their call for part of which they are named for ("kisssk-A-deeeee") being a common background sound to my time there. They often perch on exposed posts and branches to hunt from.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Pitangus
SUBSPECIES: P. s. texanus, P. s. derbianus, P. s. guatimalensis, P. s. rufipennis, P. s. caucensis, P. s. trinitatis, P. s. sulphuratus, P. s. maximiliani, P. s. bolivianus, P. s. argentinus 

 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Benteveo

Widespread and Common Resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles, Alajuela and San Jose. 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Cinnamon-bellied Saltator (Saltator grandis)

OTHER NAMES: Northern Grey Saltator
Latin Etymology:  Saltator ("dancer") grandis grandis ("large")

Cinnamon-bellied Saltator (Saltator grandis) at Hotel Robledal, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Saltator grandis grandis
Weight: g/kg  /  Length: 20cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Only split in 2021 from the closely related greyish saltator, this species is the most northerly distributed of the saltators. Common but shy though it is found in urban habitats such as the gardens of Hotel Robledal where I saw it. They are largely vegetarian and will eat fruit, seeds, leaves and petals, with the flowers of the morning glory being a particular favourite.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genus: Saltator
SUBSPECIES: S. g. vigorsii, S. g. plumbiceps, S. g. grandis, S. g. yucatanensis, S. g. hesperis, S. g. brevicaudus 

- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Pepitero ventricanelo

Widespread throughout most of the country
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Tyrannus ("absolute ruler") melancholicus ("bad tempered")

 

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Tyrannus melancholicus satrapa
Weight: 39g  /  Length: 22cm  /  Wingspan: 34-41cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most widespread and common species of Costa Rica, and indeed Central to South America, with the only continental country from Mexico Southwards it's absent from is Chile. They are primarily insectivores, swooping from exposed perches such as branches or overhead wires to catch insects in mid air, although they will also take fruit. 
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Tyrannus
SUBSPECIES: T. m. satrapa, T. m. despotes, T. m. melancholicus
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish (Costa Rica) - Tirano Tropical (Tropical Tyrant)

Widespread and Common
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles and Alajuela

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Great Curassow (Crax rubra)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Crax ("head") rubra ("red")

 

Female Great Curassow (Crax rubra) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Crax rubra rubra
Weight: 3.1-4.8kg  /  Length: 78-100cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The heaviest and most Northerly of the currasows, they primarily feed by taking windfall fruit from the forest floor. They are a monogamous species which can live over 20 years in the wild althoguh are slow to reproduce. They can have a somewhat aggressive temprament, even having been known to attack humans, in which instance they target the eyes. These birds I saw had moved into the environs of Rescarte Wildlife Rescue Centre, seemingly lured by the prospect of easy food, if somewhat baffled by their counterparts in cages. 

Related Species: 
Order: Galliformes
Family: Cracidae
Genus: Crax
SUBSPECIES: C. r. rubra, C. r. griscomi
 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paujil

A widespread but scarce resident of lowland forest
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)

OTHER NAMES: Mexican Grackle
Latin Etymology:  Quiscalus (unclear origin) mexicanus ("of Mexico")

Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) at Hotel Robledal, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Quiscalus mexicanus peruvianus
Weight: 115-265g  /  Length: 38-46cm  /  Wingspan: 58-54cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A bold, rowdy species of bird that has adapted well to human habitation, often being one of the most conspicuous birds in more urban parts of Costa Rica. They are highly social and are often found in flocks near water. Though not corvids, they somewhat fulfil a similar niche as crows do in Europe being highly intelligent omnivores that are adaptable to food sources including hunting, scavenging and eating fruit or grain.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Quiscalus
SUBSPECIES: Q. m. nelsoni, Q. m. graysoni, Q. m. obscurus, Q. m. prosopidicola  Q. m. mexicanus, Q. m. loweryi, Q. m. peruvianus
 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Zanate Mexicano

Widespread and Common
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles, San Jose and Alajuela

 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Patagioenas (clatter pigeon) flavirostris ("yellow billed")  

Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) at San Jose, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Patagioenas flavirostris minima
Weight: 230-425g  /  Length: 30-37cm  /  Wingspan: 45-56cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large pigeon with rust and slate colours that is one of the more common pigeon species in urban Costa Rica. They range just up to the very Southern border of Texas and Costa Rica represents the Southernmost point of their range. They are primarily frugivores who spend their time in trees and bushes eating berries. Despite the name, only the base of their bill is notably red.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Patagioenas
SUBSPECIES: P. f. restricta, P. f. madrensis, P. f. flavirostris, P. f. minima
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paloma morada ("Purple Dove")

A widespread species found throughout all but the Southern border of Costa Rica
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela and San Jose

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea)

OTHER NAMES: Golden Swamp Warbler
Latin Etymology: Protonotaria (from Prothonotary - a yellow robed notary) citrea ("citrine")

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 14g  /  Length: 13cm  /  Wingspan: 22cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Named for Prothonotaries - an administrative role in the Byzantine Empire who were noted for wearing yellow robes as a sign of their station. As a breeding bird, it is near endemic to the USA with a slight foothold in Ontario, however, it Winters in Central America and neighbouring countries of South America. This particular individual had decided to make a somewhat intense home within the reeds of the crocodile enclosure of Rescarte Wildlife Rescue Centre.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Genus: Protonotaria
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Reinita Protonotaria

A Winter Migrant
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: One seen at Alajuela

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Chloroceryle ("green + a bird mentioned by Aristole) americana (of America)

Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)  at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Chloroceryle americana septentrionalis
Weight: 35-40g  /  Length: 29cm  /  Wingspan: 27cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A widely distributed species found from Texas to Southern Argentina including almost the entire of South America East of the Andes. It is a fairly typical kingfisher in behaviour, hunting small fish and other aquatic prey by diving from a perch - in this instance, the wires above the crocodile enclosure at Rescarte Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Related Species:
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Alcedinidae
Genus: Chloroceryle
SUBSPECIES: C. a. hackisukai, C. a. septentrionalis, C. a. americana, C. a. mathewsii, C. a. cabanisii

 - Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Martín Pescador Verde ("Green Fishing Martin")
A locally common resident.
 - COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: One bird seen at Alajuela,

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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