Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #20) – 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: Squirrel Cuckoo

The Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) is a large and active species of cuckoo found in wooded habitats from northwestern Mexico to northern Argentina and Uruguay, as well as on Trinidad. It has a striking appearance with a long tail and bright rusty plumage. Unlike other similar species, there are no close relatives of the Squirrel Cuckoo in Mexico and Central America. These cuckoos occur in a wide range of wooded and forest edge habitats, foraging stealthily at mid-upper levels in trees. They are often seen swooping across roads, eliciting a sense of wonder. The underside of their white-tipped tail feathers is rusty overall in West Mexico and blackish overall in other areas.

OBSERVATION ANECDOTES

Unmistakeable and usually vocal, the Squirrel Cuckoo was seen at Rancho Naturalista, La Selva Biological Station and at Arenal Volcano.

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