Costa Rica’s remarkable avian diversity stems from its varied habitats, geographic positioning, topography, and climate.  With over 935 bird species recorded, including 7 endemic species, Costa Rica boasts one of the highest levels of bird diversity in the world, all within an area smaller than West Virginia.

The southernmost mountain range in Costa Rica, the Talamanca, stretches across the
southern half of the country into Chiriqui Province in western Panama. These mountains host numerous endemic bird species. Highlight species in this region include Volcano Hummingbird, Scintillant Hummingbird, Black-capped Flycatcher, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Sooty Thrush, Timberline Wren, Ochraceous Wren, Dark Pewee, Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, White-throated Mountain-Gem, Talamanca Hummingbird, Streak-breasted Treehunter, Ruddy Treerunner, Spangled-cheeked Tanager, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Sulphur-winged Parakeet, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, Volcano Junco, Costa Rican Pygmy Owl, Large-footed Finch, Yellow-thighed Brushfinch, Ochraceous Pewee, Flame-throated Warbler, Black-cheeked Warbler, Collared Redstart, Peg-billed Finch, and Yellow-winged Vireo.

The Osa Peninsula, originally an island, became part of the mainland due to tectonic activity. It remains isolated from other rainforests by drier habitats to the north and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the high Talamancas to the east. This isolation has allowed many
species, including birds, flora, and other fauna, to evolve uniquely. In the Costa Rican south Pacific lowland rainforest, including the Osa Peninsula, species restricted to this region include Charming Hummingbird, Costa Rican Swift, Baird’s Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari,
Golden-naped Woodpecker, Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner, Black-hooded Antshrike, Yellow-billed Cotinga, Orange-collared Manakin, Riverside Wren, Spot-crowned Euphonia, and the endemic Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager.

Our tour will primarily focus on the Talamanca Mountain Range and Osa Peninsula but we will also visit the intermountain valleys of San Vito and El General. Between these regions, 70 endemic bird species can be found. Our objective is not only to observe these endemics
but also to learn about these crucial areas of biodiversity.

Our guide, Mario Cordoba, will provide illustrated lectures throughout the tour to enhance this educational experience. Our tour coincides with the peak of spring migration, with species from Central and South America moving north.

During our trip we’ll visit:

• Talamanca mountains in San Gerardo de Dota
• Las Cruces Biological Station in San Vito area
• Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary & El General Valley
• Pacific rainforest lowlands near Golfito and Osa Peninsula
  PRICE
  $3800 per person for double-occupancy
  Single Supplement: $650

For questions, or to register, contact Dawn at travelprogram@goldengatebirds.org.