Fauna

Mammals

Costa Rica has more than 225 species of mammals. Roughly half of these are bats. While it is very unlikely that you will spot a wildcat, you have good odds of catching a glimpse of a monkey, coatimundi, peccary, or sloth, or more likely any number of bats.

Jaguar

Scientific Name -- Panthera onca

Worth Noting -- This cat measures from 1 to 1.8m (3 1/2-6 ft.) plus tail and is distinguished by its tan/yellowish fur with black spots. Often called simply tigre (tiger) in Costa Rica.

Prime Viewing -- Jaguars exist in all major tracts of primary and secondary forest in Costa Rica, as well as some open savannahs. However, jaguars are endangered and extremely hard to see in the wild. The largest concentrations of jaguars can be found in Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula.

Ocelot

Scientific Name -- Leopardus pardalis

Worth Noting -- Known as manigordo, or "fat paws," in Costa Rica, the tail of this small cat is longer than its rear leg, which makes for easy identification. Ocelots are mostly nocturnal, and they sleep in trees.

Prime Viewing -- Forests in all regions of Costa Rica, with the greatest concentration found on the Osa Peninsula.

Paca

Scientific Name -- Agouti paca

Worth Noting -- The paca, a nocturnal rodent, inhabits the forest floor, feeding on fallen fruit, leaves, and some tubers dug from the ground.

Prime Viewing -- Known as tepezquintle in Costa Rica, these are most often found near water throughout many habitats of Costa Rica, from river valleys to swamps to dense tropical forest. However, since they're nocturnal, you're much more likely to see their smaller cousin, the diurnal agouti or guatusa.

Baird's Tapir

Scientific Name -- Tapirus bairdii

Worth Noting -- Known as the danta or macho de monte, Baird's tapir is the largest land mammal in Costa Rica. Tapirs are active both day and night, foraging along riverbanks, streams, and forest clearings.

Prime Viewing -- An endangered species, tapirs can be found in wet forested areas, particularly on the Caribbean and south Pacific slopes.

Coatimundi

Scientific Name -- Nasua narica

Worth Noting -- Known as pizote in Costa Rica, the raccoonlike coatimundi can adapt to habitat disturbances and is often spotted near hotels and nature lodges. Active both day and night, it is equally comfortable on the ground and in trees.

Prime Viewing -- Found in a variety of habitats across Costa Rica, from dry scrub to dense forests, on the mainland as well as the coastal islands. Social animals, they are often found in groups of 10 to 20.

Collared Peccary

Scientific Name -- Tayassu tajacu

Worth Noting -- Called saino or chancho de monte in Costa Rica, the collared peccary is a black or brown piglike animal that travels in small groups (larger where populations are still numerous) and has a strong musk odor.

Prime Viewing -- Low- and middle-elevation forests in most of Costa Rica.

Northern Tamandua

Scientific Name -- Tamandua mexicana

Worth Noting -- Also known as the collared anteater (oso hormiguero in Spanish), the northern Tamandua grows up to 77 centimeters (30 in.) long, not counting its thick tail, which can be as long its body. It is active diurnally and nocturnally.

Prime Viewing -- Low- and middle-elevation forests in most of Costa Rica.

Three-Toed Sloth

Scientific Name -- Bradypus variegatus

Worth Noting -- The larger and more commonly sighted of Costa Rica's two sloth species, the three-toed sloth has long, coarse brown-to-gray fur and a distinctive eye band. They have three long and sharp claws on each foreleg. Except for brief periods used for defecation, these slow-moving creatures are entirely arboreal.

Prime Viewing -- Low- and middle-elevation forests in most of Costa Rica. While sloths can be found in a wide variety of trees, they are most commonly spotted in the relatively sparsely leaved Cecropia.

Mantled Howler Monkey

Scientific Name -- Alouatta palliata

Worth Noting -- Known locally as mono congo, the highly social mantled howler monkey grows to 56 centimeters (22 in.) in size and often travels in groups of 10 to 30. The loud roar of the male can be heard as far as 1.6km (1 mile) away.

Prime Viewing -- Wet and dry forests across Costa Rica. Almost entirely arboreal, they tend to favor the higher reaches of the canopy.

Red-Backed Squirrel Monkey

Scientific Name -- Saimiri oerstedii

Worth Noting -- The smallest and friskiest of Costa Rica's monkeys, the red-backed squirrel monkey, or mono titi, is also its most endangered. Active in the daytime, these monkeys travel in small to midsize groups. Squirrel monkeys do not have a prehensile tail.

Prime Viewing -- Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.

Birds

Costa Rica has more than 850 identified species of resident and migrant birds. The variety of habitats and compact nature of the country make it a major bird-watching destination.

Jabiru Stork

Scientific Name -- Jabiru mycteria

Worth Noting -- One of the largest birds in the world, the jabiru stork stands 1.5m (5 ft.) tall, with a wingspan of 2.4m (8 ft.) and a .3m (1 ft.) bill. An endangered species, the jabiru is very rare, with only a dozen or so nesting pairs in Costa Rica.

Prime Viewing -- The wetlands of Palo Verde National Park and Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve are the best places to try to spot the jabiru stork. The birds arrive in Costa Rica from Mexico in November and fly north with the rains in May or June.

Keel-Billed Toucan

Scientific Name -- Ramphastos sulfuratus

Worth Noting -- The rainbow-colored canoe-shape bill and brightly colored feathers make the keel-billed toucan a favorite of bird-watching tours. The toucan can grow to about 51 centimeters (20 in.) in length. It's similar in size and shape to the chestnut mandibled toucan. Costa Rica also is home to several smaller toucanet and aracari species.

Prime Viewing -- Lowland forests on the Caribbean and north Pacific slopes.

Scarlet Macaw

Scientific Name -- Ara macao

Worth Noting -- Known as guacamaya or lapa in Costa Rica, the scarlet macaw is a long-tailed member of the parrot family. It can reach 89 centimeters (35 in.) in length. The bird is endangered over most of its range, particularly because it is so coveted as a pet. Its loud squawk and rainbow-colored feathers are quite distinctive.

Prime Viewing -- Carara National Park, Corcovado National Park, and Piedras Blancas National Park.

Resplendent Quetzal

Scientific Name -- Pharomchrus mocinno

Worth Noting -- Perhaps the most distinctive and spectacular bird in Central America, the resplendent quetzal, of the trogon family, can grow to 37 centimeters (14 1/2 in.). The males are distinctive, with bright red chests, iridescent blue-green coats, yellow bill, and tail feathers that can reach another 76 centimeters (30 in.) in length. The females lack the long tail feathers and have a duller beak and less pronounced red chest.

Prime Viewing -- High-elevation wet and cloud forests, particularly in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and along the Cerro de la Muerte.

Magnificent Frigate Bird

Scientific Name -- Fregata magnificens

Worth Noting -- The magnificent frigate bird is a naturally agile flier and it swoops (unlike other sea birds, it doesn't dive or swim) to pluck food from the water's surface -- or more commonly, it steals catch from the mouths of other birds.

Prime Viewing -- Along the shores and coastal islands of both coasts. Often seen soaring high overhead.

Montezuma's Oropendola

Scientific Name -- Psarocolius montezuma

Worth Noting -- Montezuma's oropendola has a black head, brown body, a yellow-edged tail, a large black bill with an orange tip, and a blue patch under the eye. These birds build long, teardrop-shape hanging nests, often found in large groups. They have several distinct loud calls, including one that they make while briefly hanging upside down.

Prime Viewing -- Low and middle elevations along the Caribbean slope, and some sections of eastern Guanacaste.

Roseate Spoonbill

Scientific Name -- Ajaia ajaja

Worth Noting -- The roseate spoonbill is a large water bird, pink or light red in color and with a large spoon-shape bill. Also known as garza rosada (pink heron). They were almost made extinct in the United States because their pink wings were sought for feather fans.

Prime Viewing -- Low-lying wetlands, both fresh and salt water, along both coasts.

Cattle Egret

Scientific Name -- Bubulcus ibis

Worth Noting -- The cattle egret changes color during breeding: A yellowish buff color appears on the head, chest, and back, and a reddish hue emerges on the bill and legs. They are usually seen anywhere there are cattle, hence the name, but can also often be found following behind tractors.

Prime Viewing -- Throughout the country.

Boat-Billed Heron

Scientific Name -- Cochlearius cochlearius

Worth Noting -- The midsize boat-billed heron (about 51cm/20 in.) has a large black head, a large broad bill, and a rusty brown color.

Prime Viewing -- Throughout the country, near marshes, swamps, rivers, and mangroves.

Laughing Falcon

Scientific Name -- Herpetotheres cachinnans

Worth Noting -- The laughing falcon is also known as the guaco in Costa Rica. It gets its name from its loud, piercing call. This largish (56cm/22 in.) bird of prey's wingspan reaches an impressive 94 centimeters (37 in.). It specializes in eating both venomous and nonvenomous snakes but will also hunt lizards and small rodents.

Prime Viewing -- Throughout the country, most commonly in lowland areas, near forest edges, grasslands, and farmlands.

Amphibians

Frogs, toads, and salamanders are actually some of the most beguiling, beautiful, and easy-to-spot residents of tropical forests.

Marine Toad

Scientific Name -- Bufo marinus

Worth Noting -- The largest toad in the Americas, the 20-centimeter (8-in.) wart-covered marine toad is also known as sapo grande (giant toad). The females are mottled in color, while the males are uniformly brown. These voracious toads have been known to eat small mammals, along with other toads, lizards, and just about any insect within range. They also have a very strong toxic chemical defense mechanism.

Prime Viewing -- In forests and open areas throughout Costa Rica.

Mexican Burrowing Toad

Scientific Name -- Rhinophrynus dorsalis

Worth Noting -- The bloblike, 7.6-centimeter (3-in.) Mexican burrowing toad will inflate like a blowfish when frightened. It often has a single red, orange, or yellow line down the center of its brown or black back.

Prime Viewing -- Pacific lower-elevation forests and moist grasslands and farmlands.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Scientific Name -- Agalychnis callidryas

Worth Noting -- The colorful 7.6-centimeter (3-in.) red-eyed tree frog usually has a pale or dark green back, sometimes with white or yellow spots, with blue-purple patches and vertical bars on the body, orange hands and feet, and deep red eyes. This nocturnal amphibian is also known as the gaudy leaf frog or red-eyed tree frog.

Prime Viewing -- Low- and middle-elevation wet forests throughout Costa Rica. This is a very beautiful and distinctive-looking frog that you will certainly see on T-shirts and postcards if not in the wild.

Green and Black Poison Arrow Frog

Scientific Name -- Dendrobates auratus

Worth Noting -- Also called the harlequin poison-arrow frog, the small green and black poison arrow frog ranges between 2.5 and 4 centimeters (1-1 1/2 in.) in length. It has distinctive markings of iridescent green mixed with deep black.

Prime Viewing -- On the ground, around tree roots, and under fallen logs, in low- and middle-elevation wet forests on the Caribbean and southern Pacific slopes.

Reptiles

Costa Rica's reptile species range from the frightening and justly feared fer-de-lance pit viper and massive American crocodile to a wide variety of turtles and lizards. Note: Sea turtles are included in the "Sea Life" section below.

Boa Constrictor

Scientific Name -- Boa constrictor

Worth Noting -- Adult boa constrictors (bécquer in Costa Rica) average about 1.8 to 3m (6-10 ft.) in length and weigh over 27 kilograms (60 lb.). Their coloration camouflages them, but look for patterns of cream, brown, gray, and black ovals and diamonds.

Prime Viewing -- Low- and middle-elevation wet and dry forests, countrywide. They often live in rafters and eaves of homes in rural areas.

Fer-de-Lance

Scientific Name -- Bothrops atrox

Worth Noting -- Known as terciopelo in Costa Rica, the aggressive fer-de-lance can grow to 2.4m (8 ft.) in length. Beige, brown, or black triangles flank either side of the head, while the area under the head is a vivid yellow. These snakes begin life as arboreal but become increasingly terrestrial as they grow older and larger.

Prime Viewing -- All regions.

Leaf-Toed Gecko

Scientific Name -- Phyllodactylus xanti

Worth Noting -- Spotting the 6.8-centimeter (2 1/2-in.) leaf-toed gecko is easy -- it loves to be around buildings and other areas of human activity.

Prime Viewing -- Common on the ground and in the leaf litter of low- and middle-elevation forests throughout the country.

Smooth Gecko

Scientific Name -- Thecadactylus rapicauda

Worth Noting -- The smooth gecko's autonomous tail detaches from its body and acts as a diversion to a potential predator; it grows back later in a lighter shade.

Prime Viewing -- Low-elevation wet forests on the Caribbean and southern Pacific slopes, as well as in urban and rural residential environments.

Green Iguana

Scientific Name -- Iguana iguana

Worth Noting -- Green iguanas can vary in shades ranging from bright green to a dull grayish-green, with quite a bit of orange mixed in. The iguana will often perch on a branch overhanging a river and plunge into the water when threatened.

Prime Viewing -- All lowland regions of the country, living near rivers and streams, along both coasts.

Basilisk

Scientific Name -- Basiliscus vittatus

Worth Noting -- The basilisk can run across the surface of water for short distances by using its hind legs and holding its body almost upright; thus, the reptile is also known as "the Jesus Christ lizard."

Prime Viewing -- In trees and on rocks located near water in wet forests throughout the country.

American Crocodile

Scientific Name -- Crocodylus acutus

Worth Noting -- Although an endangered species, environmental awareness and protection policies have allowed the massive American crocodile to mount an impressive comeback in recent years. While these reptiles can reach lengths of 6.4m (21 ft.), most are much smaller, usually less than 4m (13 ft.).

Prime Viewing -- Near swamps, mangrove swamps, estuaries, large rivers, and coastal lowlands, countrywide. Guaranteed viewing from the bridge over the Tarcoles River, on the coastal highway to Jacó and Manuel Antonio.

Sea Life

Boasting over 1,290km (780 miles) of shoreline on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica has a rich diversity of underwater flora and fauna.

Whale Shark

Scientific Name -- Rhincodon typus

Worth Noting -- Although the whale shark grows to lengths of 14m (45 ft.) or more, its gentle nature makes swimming with them a special treat for divers and snorkelers.

Prime Viewing -- Can occasionally be spotted off Isla del Caño, and more frequently off Isla del Coco.

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Scientific Name -- Dermochelys coriacea

Worth Noting -- The world's largest sea turtle (reaching nearly 2.4m/8 ft. in length and weighing more than 544kg/1,200 lb.), the leatherback sea turtle is now an endangered species.

Prime Viewing -- While these large reptiles do nest off Tortuguero, their prime nesting site in Costa Rica is Playa Grande, near Tamarindo.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Scientific Name -- Lepidochelys olivacea

Worth Noting -- Also known as tortuga lora, the olive ridley sea turtle is the most common and popular of Costa Rica's sea turtles, famous for its massive group nestings, or arribadas.

Prime Viewing -- Large arribadas occur from July through December, and to a lesser extent from January through June. Playa Nancite in Santa Rosa National Park and Playa Ostional are the prime nesting sites.

Moray Eel

Scientific Name -- Gymnothorax mordax

Worth Noting -- Distinguished by a swaying serpent-head and teeth-filled jaw that continually opens and closes, the moray eel is most commonly seen with only its head appearing from behind rocks. At night, however, it leaves its home along the reef to hunt for small fish, crustaceans, shrimp, and octopus.

Prime Viewing -- Rocky areas and reefs off both coasts.

Humpbacked Whale

Scientific Name -- Megaptera novaeangliae

Worth Noting -- The migratory humpbacked whale spends the winters in warm southern waters and has been increasingly spotted close to the shores of Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. These mammals have black backs and whitish throat and chest areas. Females have been known to calve here.

Prime Viewing -- Most common in the waters off of Drake Bay and Isla del Caño, from December through April.

Bottle-Nosed Dolphin

Scientific Name -- Tursiops truncates

Worth Noting -- Their wide tail fin, dark gray back, and light gray sides identify bottle-nosed dolphins. Dolphins grow to lengths of 3.7m (12 ft.) and weigh up to 635 kilograms (1,400 lb.).

Prime Viewing -- Along both coasts and inside the Golfo Dulce.

Brain Coral

Scientific Name -- Diploria strigosa

Worth Noting -- The distinctive brain coral is named for its striking physical similarity to a human brain.

Prime Viewing -- Reefs off both coasts.

Invertibrates

Creepy crawlies, biting bugs, spiders, and the like give most folks chills. But this group, which includes moths, butterflies, ants, beetles, and even crabs, includes some of the most fascinating and easily viewed fauna in Costa Rica.

Blue Morpho

Scientific Name -- Morpho peleides

Worth Noting -- The large blue morpho butterfly, with a wingspan of up to 15 centimeters (6 in.), has brilliantly iridescent blue wings when opened. Fast and erratic fliers, they are often glimpsed flitting across your peripheral vision in dense forest.

Prime Viewing -- Countrywide, particularly in moist environments.

Leafcutter Ants

Scientific Name -- Atta cephalotes

Worth Noting -- You can't miss the miniature rainforest highways formed by these industrious little red leafcutter ants carrying their freshly cut payload. The ants do not actually eat the leaves, but instead feed off a fungus that grows on the decomposing leaves in their massive underground nests.

Prime Viewing -- Can be found in most forests countrywide.

Golden Silk Spider

Scientific Name -- Nephila clavipes

Worth Noting -- The common Neotropical golden silk spider weaves meticulous webs that can be as much as .5m (2 ft.) across. The adult female of this species can reach 7.6 centimeters (3 in.) in length, including the legs, although the males are tiny. The silk of this spider is extremely strong and is being studied for industrial purposes.

Prime Viewing -- Lowland forests on both coasts.

Mouthless Crab

Scientific Name -- Gecarcinus quadratus

Worth Noting -- The nocturnal mouthless crab is a distinctively colored land crab with bright orange legs, purple claws, and a deep black shell or carapace.

Prime Viewing -- All along the Pacific coast.