Snowcap
This tiny hummingbird (2.5 inches, 6.5cm) is one of the smallest birds in the world and is quite rightly the Number 1 target bird for most visiting birders. It occurs primarily on the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica and Rancho Naturalista is the best place in the world to see this species as it regularly attends the Hummingbird Feeders and Hummingbird Pools.
Tawny-chested Flycatcher
This flycatcher is categorized as Vulnerable by Birdlife International (2006 IUCN Red List Category) due to its occurrence being restricted to a small range of increasingly fragmented forest. This species breeds regularly at Rancho Naturalista and this is the best place in the world to see it.
Purplish-backed Quail-Dove
This local and secretive Quail-Dove is another speciality bird of Rancho Naturalista, males can be heard calling in the upper forested areas and occasionally give great views as they walk along the trails!
White-crowned Manakin
The most accessible lek of this stunning species in Costa Rica is at Rancho Naturalista. Uncommon on the Caribbean slope, this is one of the best places to see it.
White-throated Flycatcher
This very local flycatcher is distributed patchily through Central America, and is regularly found along the edge of the Rancho Naturalista property, especially where there are swampy pastures.
Dull-mantled Antbird
This species has a very thin altitudinal distribution throughout the Caribbean lowlands of the country. This species breeds near our Hummingbird Pools and sightings are very regular.
Thicket Antpitta
This often-heard Antpitta is usually, as its name suggests, difficult to see due to its preference of thickets! There are however a few of the Rancho Naturalista trails that occasionally offer views of this secretive species, and what a reward is in store for those lucky observers.
Black-throated Wren
A restricted range species that has a secretive habit given away by a stunning song. This wren is seen almost daily here, mainly when feeding in dead leaves and vine tangles, usually in pairs through the second growth at forest edges.
Black-crested Coquette
This very uncommon and highly impressive hummingbird is definitely high on the ‘wanted’ list of most birders, and non-birders alike. An adult male certainly is a bird that will stick in your mind. This species is often a garden visitor at Rancho Naturalista.
Tawny-throated Leaftosser
This highly sought species is found hopping along the ground in the wet forest at Rancho Naturalista and is often a visitor to the Hummingbird Pools where it ventures out into the open, briefly allowing the quick to glimpse what is generally a secretive bird.
Northern Schiffornis
This little-known species is present within the primary forest areas of the Rancho property where its song gives its presence away. Whether it is a Manakin, Cotinga or Flycatcher it is certainly an interesting species and worth a look!
Grey-headed Piprites
This rare and poorly known species is found sporadically along the length of the Cordillera Talamanca and is classified as a species of Restricted Range by Birdlife International. It is occasionally present in the second growth forest, especially during the beginning of the wet-season.
For further details email: info@ranchonaturalista.net