Costa Rica, known for its rich biodiversity, hosts an abundant and diverse population of parrots, parakeets, and macaws. Its varied ecosystems support these birds nationwide.
Diverse Parrot Species
Costa Rica is home to approximately 18 species of parrots and parakeets. Among the most striking are the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), with brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage, and the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus), predominantly green with a red forehead. Both species can reach up to 35 inches in length and possess powerful beaks. Scarlet Macaws are often seen flying in pairs or small groups, communicating with loud squawks, while Great Green Macaws use their bills to crack open hard nuts.
Smaller species include parakeets and amazons. The Crimson-fronted Parakeet (Psittacara finschi), a common urban and garden species, is mostly green with a red forehead and a long tail, often seen in small, noisy flocks. The Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) is a small, vocal species with green plumage and an orange forehead.
Among the amazons, the Red-lored Amazon (Amazona autumnalis) is medium-sized with a green body, a red forehead, and blue markings around its eyes. The White-fronted Amazon (Amazona albifrons) is smaller, identifiable by its bright green body and a white patch above its pale bill. These species showcase the wide range of sizes, colors, and vocalizations within Costa Rica’s parrot populations.
Where to Spot Parrots
Parrots in Costa Rica inhabit diverse environments, from dense rainforests and dry forests to coastal mangroves, agricultural areas, and urban parks. These adaptable birds are found nationwide, often where fruiting trees are abundant.
Scarlet Macaws are common along the Pacific coast, with populations in Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula and Carara National Park near the Tárcoles River. They are often seen feeding on almond trees near beaches.
The Great Green Macaw primarily resides on the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica, in lowland tropical rainforests, with known habitats in Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge and around the San Juan River. Smaller parrots and parakeets like the Crimson-fronted Parakeet are common in the Central Valley, including urban areas and gardens, while the White-crowned Parrot is often found in wet tropical forests and green spaces within the Central Valley. Observing parrots is often most successful during early morning or late afternoon when they are active. Listening for their loud calls can also help locate them.
Conservation and Coexistence
Many parrot species in Costa Rica face threats from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Agricultural expansion, particularly large-scale pineapple production, has significantly impacted habitats for species like the Great Green Macaw. In response, Costa Rica has made significant efforts in conservation, designating approximately 25% of its land as protected areas, national parks, and wildlife refuges. These zones provide habitats and nesting sites for parrots, supporting their survival and reproduction.
Conservation initiatives include breeding-for-release programs, reintroducing Scarlet Macaws to areas like Carara National Park and the Osa Peninsula, and efforts to boost Great Green Macaw populations. Organizations like the Macaw Recovery Network and the Parrot Rescue Center of Costa Rica rescue, rehabilitate, and release parrots confiscated from the illegal trade. Additionally, public education programs and sustainable tourism practices foster responsible observation and raise awareness about protecting these birds and their ecosystems.