Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #11) – Costa Rica’s national motto and tourism slogan, “La Pura Vida” loosely translates to Live Life or Enjoy Life. With over 900 bird species recorded here, there is certainly lots to enjoy! Join with me as I guide you through the scenic wonderland that is Costa Rica. From the slow-moving waters of the Coastal Mangrove Wetlands to the heights of the Talamanca Páramo, over 300 species of birds will be featured in this blog series. **Some of this Blog Series photos (all taken by me) may have been taken in other nearby countries.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

BIRDS & BIRDING IN COSTA RICA WEBSITE LINK: Short-billed Pigeon

The Short-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas nigrirostris) is a largish pigeon that breeds from southern Mexico south to northwestern Colombia. It inhabits the Yucatan Peninsula, which spans southeastern Mexico and parts of Central America. These pigeons are generally found in humid, lowland forests and feed on a variety of fruits and seeds. The species is undergoing a moderate decline, with a population estimate of 50,000-500,000 mature individuals. Although it is not a migrant, it is normally sighted in pairs foraging in tree tops for mistletoe, fruits, and berries. Its forest habitat has been lost at a rate of 7% over three generations, potentially contributing to its decline.

OBSERVATION ANECDOTES

Seen from a distance at Rancho Naturalista and Carara NP, our group finally spotted a perched bird that was not quite so far away at the La Selva Biological Station near Sarapiqui. The photos are severely cropped and enlarged, but the very short bill is readily apparent.

PHOTO GALLERY

View the three most recent Birds & Birding in Costa Rica series blog posts below.

• A Streak-headed Woodcreeper Feeds its Offspring Near the Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica
• PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• HOFFMANN’S WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding