Costa Rica Wildlife Guide
72 species across birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and insects. Filter by category, region, or elevation.
Catalog expanding — Michael adds species after each tour.
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Showing 72 of 72 species
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Photo: Tony Hisgett · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
King Vulture in Costa Rica
Sarcoramphus papa
New World Vultures · ~81 cm · all
CaribbeanOsa
Spectacular large vulture of intact rainforest. Mostly white body with black wing trailing edges and an extraordinary multicolored bare head — orange, yellow, red, and purple.
Fun Facts
- ▸Larger and more powerful than other vultures, with a bill strong enough to open thick hides.
- ▸Dominates carcasses — Black and Turkey Vultures step aside when it arrives.
- ▸Sacred in Maya mythology, often depicted in carvings as a messenger between worlds.
Best Months
Year-round
Featured On
- · 7-Day Private Birding Tour
- · Custom Osa Peninsula Birding
