Where is the best location for hummingbird watching in Costa Rica?

They resemble precious stones with wings. They come in all the colours of the rainbow, such as blues, greens, golden hues, and reds. The range of their plumage colours seems to be infinite, and their beauty makes up for their tiny size. We’re talking about hummingbirds, the smallest birds in the world.

They're like tiny gemstones with wings. Their hues resemble the most precious rainbow: blue, green, gold, red... An infinite variety that births immense beauty in small bodies. Hummingbirds are defined as the smallest birds in the world.

Beholding these winged jewels in their own habitat is surely a visual treat. Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas, a fact that would make anyone living there stand tall with pride.

Facts About Hummingbirds

We will address these questions one by one. Their characteristics make them essential for the balance of the ecosystem and a must-see for nature lovers.

Hummingbirds are so small that at one point chicks are the same size as a small coin. When they reach adulthood, they can weigh up to 24 grams. Taking a picture of a hummingbird can be a challenge, but we can assure you it is worth the try.

Another special characteristic is that they are able to fly backwards. You won’t find another creature with the skills to fly in all directions –upward, downward, upside down, forward, and backward.

There are approximately 343 hummingbird species in the world.

They migrate across long distances. For instance, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird flies 804 km nonstop for a period of 18 to 24 hours when crossing the Gulf of Mexico. They feed between five and eight times an hour and eat approximately half their weight each day. The hummingbird’s brain-to-body size ratio is the largest among bird species.

Types of Hummingbirds

We think it is only right that we introduce you to some of the 343 exquisite types of hummingbirds, just to exemplify how magnificent these flying gemstones truly are.

Versicolored Emerald:

This little buddy can reach a size of 10.8 cm and weigh between 3 and 4 grams. Its feet are small. Its beak–almost completely straight–stands out for its length, narrowness, and beige/orange color underneath.

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird:

It is considered one of the most beautiful hummingbirds because of its joyful, vibrant colors mixed flawlessly for a mesmerizing appearance.

Black-crested Coquette:

It is native of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, southern Mexico, and Nicaragua. Its natural habitats are tropical rainforests.

Snowcap:

A resident species in Costa Rica, it reproduces along the Caribbean watershed and is generally found at an altitude of between 300 and 800 meters.

Bee Hummingbird:

It is the smallest hummingbird species, weighting just 2.2 grams, and it is also the smallest bird in the world.

Rufous Hummingbird:

The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the most commonly known type of hummingbird. This is a bird that is instantly recognized and admired by many.

Violet-headed Hummingbird:

Many are drawn to it due to its peculiar looks and distinctive colors. Also, it is easily spotted since it inhabits open areas unlike many other species.

Where to go to watch hummingbirds flying around?

Hummingbirds’ preferred spot is the tropical rainforest, which in Costa Rica is a preserved and protected area. You must come to Costa Rica if you dream of seeing hummingbirds with your own eyes.

Mistico Park is home to 33 of the 50 hummingbird species in Costa Rica.

Once in the country, head to Mistico Park (located in La Fortuna, San Carlos), an ecological reserve where you can feel a true connection with the natural surroundings and marvel at the oldest of masterpieces: nature itself. Mistico Park has wide open areas adorned with majestic flowers such as the commonly known Rat Tail Cactus. Having one of the largest hummingbird concentrations in Costa Rica, you will hardly find a more suitable place to be amazed by hummingbirds than this ecological park.

You may also like: Why is Costa Rica the Most Eco-Friendly Tourist Destination?

Book a visit to Mistico Park and witness one of the most exciting processes taking place in the natural environment: pollination. Behold the beauty of these winged jewels, including: Violet-headed Hummingbird, Blue-throated Goldentail, Snowcap, and Rufous Hummingbird. Nature crafts the most stunning colors. Come discover them yourself! Stop dreaming and start living this one-of-a-kind hummingbird experience.

33 species of the most commonly seen humingbirds at Mistico Park

33 species of the most commonly seen humingbirds at Mistico Park