When you think of birds in Costa Rica, toucans and parrots probably come to mind. But there is one more species that is arguably just as, if not more, beautiful. And that is the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno). This vibrant bird with extremely long tailfeathers stays hidden in the mossy cloud forests of Central America. In this post, we’ll explain where and how to see Resplendent Quetzal birds in Costa Rica.
A Legendary Background
Resplendent Quetzals are a big part of Central American history. In many pre-Columbian cultures, the Quetzal was a symbol of the god, Quetzalcoatl. As a sign of worship, tribal leaders would wear headdresses decorated with the bird’s long feathers.
In the Aztec language of Nahuatl, the word quetzal means “a bird of beautiful plumage.”
To this day, the Resplendent Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and even appears on that country’s flag and currency.
Where do Quetzal Birds Live?
Resplendent Quetzals range from southern Mexico to Panama. Throughout their range, they prefer higher elevation mountains, often in extremely remote locations. Here is their range map on eBird.
In Costa Rica, their habitat is the misty cloud forest. Quetzals are attracted to a special type of mountain avocado that grows an olive-sized fruit. This is their favorite food!
Where to See Resplendent Quetzals in Costa Rica
While you can technically see Quetzals in many different cloud forest habitats around Costa Rica, there are two major destinations: San Gerardo de Dota and Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Tip: The temperatures in both locations can be chilly and wet so be sure to pack layers and raincoats. If you’re planning to photograph Quetzals, don’t forget covers to protect your camera from a sudden shower. See our Packing post for more.
San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo de Dota is a lesser visited tourist destination but probably the best place in Costa Rica to view the Resplendent Quetzal. This is because Quetzals are basically spotted year-round with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
San Gerardo de Dota is a very small village in the mountains south of Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose. It’s set in a steep valley adjacent to the aptly named Los Quetzales National Park.
With not much else around, birding is the main attraction, along with hiking and trout fishing.
For more information about the town, including lodges and restaurants, see our post all about San Gerardo de Dota.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
A more popular tourist destination with Quetzals is Monteverde. This busy, but still quaint, ecotourism town is located in the higher elevation mountains west of San Jose. With many cloud forest activities like hanging bridge walks, zip lining, coffee tours, and hikes, Monteverde is a common stop on many itineraries.
Quetzal sightings in Monteverde can be a little trickier. Because they are elusive birds, you likely won’t see them on common hiking trails with a lot of people around. That said, a good birding guide will know some special spots.
The best time to see Quetzals in Monteverde is from December through August. This is because the mountain avocado trees are fruiting, and the birds breed and nest during this period.
With the birds coming and going to the same trees, sightings are a lot easier. In the months of September, October, and November, Quetzals move to a different region and are not usually seen.
For much more about the town of Monteverde, including lodging options and other activities, read our Monteverde Destination Guide.
Hiring a Guide
When birding in the cloud forest, a good guide is essential. Mossy trees camouflage everything, and you’ll definitely need all the help you can get.
We spent several years and many self-guided hikes searching the cloud forest for a Quetzal. When we finally did see one, it was a female, which lacks the long tail feathers.
When we finally hired a guide, we saw several beautiful males within minutes of starting the tour!
Birding Guides in San Gerardo de Dota
In San Gerardo de Dota, guides can be arranged through your lodge. Each lodge has their own set of experts that they recommend. Our guide, arranged through Dantica Lodge, was excellent.
Birding Guides in Monteverde
In Monteverde, we work with a great local birding guide who knows where the Quetzals are usually hiding. If you are interested in a tour, use the link below to make a request. Be sure to write in the notes that you’d like to focus on Quetzals. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our site.
Conclusion
While other bird species get more attention, the Resplendent Quetzal is one that shouldn’t be missed. It’s truly a stunning bird that deserves its legendary status. In Costa Rica, we are lucky that they are so accessible. We hope this article helps you get the chance to see one too!
Have a question about Quetzal Birds in Costa Rica? Have you seen one? Leave us a comment below.
Looking for more information to help you plan? Check out these posts:
Rental Car Discount – If you are birding around Costa Rica, having a rental car is ideal. This allows you to stop along the way and cross even more species off your list.
Birding in Carara National Park – Located on the central Pacific coast, Carara is in a transition zone, attracting birds from both the northern and southern parts of the country.
Sloth and Bird Walk in La Fortuna – If you are visiting the Arenal Volcano area, this tour is great for seeing sloths and birds.
