A-Z of birds in Costa Rica

Skuas

Arctic Skua

The Arctic Skua, also known as the Parasitic Jaeger, is a medium-sized seabird well known for its aggressive nature.

Gulls and terns

Arctic Tern

Avian athletes that travel pole to pole.

Owls

Barn Owl

Heart-shaped face and dark eyes belie a silent killer.

Grebes

Black Necked Grebe

The black-necked grebe is a highly-sociable, small and dark member of the grebe family. Known as the 'eared grebe' in America.

Gulls and terns

Black Tern

A graceful tern, easily distinguishable in their black summer plumage, which they're named after.

Gulls and terns

Black-Headed Gull

The title of Black-headed Gull is rather a misnomer for this bird as its head is not black but a dark brown colour and only in adult birds during the breeding season. It is not present during the winter months or in other plumages. Unlike many gulls it is not restricted to coastal regions and is widespread inland in both rural and urban areas.