A-Z of birds in Costa Rica

Keywords

Family

Gulls and terns

Arctic Tern

The Arctic Tern is a widespread and beautiful seabird that undertakes a remarkable migration. Drawn by the promise of rich feeding grounds and endless days, these graceful birds fly to opposite ends of the Earth and back each year.

Owls

Barn Owl

The most widespread owl species, Barn Owls occur as 32 subspecies on every continent except Antarctica.

Gulls and terns

Black Tern

The Black Tern is a small, graceful seabird that nests far from the ocean. These birds switch between radically different habitats in the breeding and non-breeding seasons, but habitat loss inland has caused their numbers to plummet since the mid-1900s.

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.

Grebes

Eared Grebe

Eared grebes are North America’s most widespread member of the grebe family, and have a distinctive appearance, with golden tufts on the sides of their face. In the UK, where the species is much rarer, it is known as the black-necked grebe.

Skuas

Parasitic Jaeger

The Parasitic Jaeger, or Arctic Skua as it is also known, is an agile seabird with a dishonorable means of finding food.

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