​

The Gulf of Nicoya is rich in both land based (terrestrial) and water based (marine). Birds capture the interest of many as they are fascinating creatures and Costa Rica is part-time or fully home to over 800 different species!

​

The most common marine birds encountered around the Gulf of Nicoya are brown pelicans, frigate birds, boobies, terns and seagulls.

​

Pelicans can be spotted around beaches and rock formations. Here they are frequently seen diving into the water, coming up with a beak full of water and some smaller fish which they throw back like a shot. Frigates are large birds with up to a wingspan of up to 6 ft. which allows them to soar effortlessly on the air currents up high in search of food. Frigates are not good hunters and usually steal their food from other birds; this is also in part because they do not have waterproof feathers. There are several types of boobies but the most commonly seen one is the brown boobie. These medium sized birds have a powerful beak and are great at fishing as they can swim underwater using their wings. They are seen close to shore but are also very common offshore. Several species of terns and gulls also thrive in the gulf close to shore.

​

These are only some of the birds that can be seen in this area. Next time you are out on the water or the shoreline, keep an eye out to see if you can spot any of these or other marine birds.