Birds of Arenal

How many birds live around Arenal

Almost 500 of the more than 900 bird species recorded in Costa Rica have been seen around Arenal. The mix of rainforest, forest edges, rivers, open land and Lake Arenal gives birds many places to feed and nest.

Birds you may see

Sightings change with the day and the season, and none can be guaranteed, but these groups are part of Arenal’s birdlife:

• Toucans and aracaris, often in fruiting trees
• Montezuma oropendolas and their hanging nests
• Hummingbirds at flowers along the trails
• Trogons and motmots
• Tanagers and honeycreepers
• Parrots and parakeets, usually heard before they are seen
• Guans and curassows on the forest floor
• Hawks and other birds of prey

Where to look

Forest edges and clearings are often the easiest places, because birds come out to feed in the open. On the trails at the foot of Arenal Volcano, look in the trees around the old lava flows, and on hanging bridges you are at canopy height, where many birds feed.

Best time for birding

Birds are most active in the first hours after sunrise, so early starts give the best chances. Birding around Arenal is good all year; the dry season, from December to April, makes the trails easier, and in the green season mornings are often the clearest part of the day.

Birding tips

• Bring binoculars if you have them
• Walk slowly and keep your voice low
• Wear muted colors
• Listen first: many birds are heard before they are seen
• Never feed the birds or other animals
• Bring a rain jacket and closed-toe shoes

Birding on our tours

We do not run a dedicated birdwatching tour, but our guides point out birds on every tour and set up the spotting scope so you can see them up close. The Morning Volcano Hike has the earliest start, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges take you to canopy height. For a private tour, write to us on WhatsApp.