Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #19) – 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: Groove-billed Ani

The Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) is a tropical bird in the cuckoo family with a long tail and a large, curved beak. It is a resident species throughout most of its range, which extends from southern Texas, central Mexico, and The Bahamas, through Central America, to northern Colombia and Venezuela, as well as coastal regions of Ecuador and Peru. During winter, it retreats from the northernmost parts of its range in Texas and northern Mexico. These coal-black cuckoos are gregarious and can be found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats in tropical lowlands and foothills, typically staying low in shrubs and grasses. They fly with choppy wingbeats and long glides, and their voice is characterized by a sharp “PIT!-tooee” and other sharp clicks and whistle.

OBSERVATION ANECDOTES

Of the two potential Ani species in Costa Rica, the Groove-billed is by far the more expected. The only place that Smooth-billed may be expected would be the southern Pacific lowlands. We encountered Groove-billed Ani in the Caribbean lowlands near Sarapiqui.

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