A stroll around the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero NP. A pop of pink in the mangroves. Easily recognizable by its bright pink plumage and distinctive spoon-shaped bill, the Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is one of the most striking birds in Tortuguero. These birds typically inhabit shallow, saline waters where they use their wide bills to sift through mud and capture small fish, crustaceans, and insects. Their pink color results from the carotenoid pigments in their diet, similar to flamingos. The birds are often seen in groups, spoonbills are relatively social birds and may be observed feeding alongside other species, such as ibises and herons.
The Roseate Spoonbill has other fascinating shorebirds in Tortuguero’s Mangroves as companions.
The Roseate Spoonbill shares the mangroves with a diversity of other shorebirds, each with its own distinct adaptations. Very likely to encounter while exploring Tortuguero National Park is the Great Egret (Ardea alba). This heron is one of the largest and most elegant birds in Tortuguero. Its pure white feathers and sharp yellow bill make it easily distinguishable, especially when it stands motionless by the water’s edge, waiting to strike at passing fish. This bird prefers shallow coastal waters, ponds, and the banks of rivers where it can patiently hunt for fish and other aquatic prey. Known for its solitary hunting style, the Great Egret is usually spotted alone or in small groups.
With its striking yellow feet and delicate, lacy plumes, the Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is another popular sight in Tortuguero. Smaller than the Great Egret, the Snowy Egret is notable for its nimble hunting techniques and beautiful breeding displays. These egrets use a distinctive “foot-stirring” technique to startle fish out of hiding, making them easier to catch.
Known for its unique blend of gray-blue, white, and reddish-brown plumage, the Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) is a highly active bird often seen darting through shallow waters. This heron is smaller than the Great Egret but just as fascinating to observe. Tricolored Herons are known for their agility in hunting, frequently running and diving in shallow water to catch fish and crustaceans. While they inhabit a variety of wetlands, Tricolored Herons are particularly suited to coastal lagoons and mangroves, making Tortuguero a perfect spot for observation.
Despite its smaller size and more reserved appearance, the Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is one of the more interesting species to spot due to its unique hunting technique, which often involves using bait—an unusual behavior for birds. Known to drop objects like insects into the water to lure fish, this heron showcases impressive intelligence among shorebirds. The Green Heron is a compact bird with a greenish back, rusty neck, and short, dagger-like bill.
If you go observing shorebirds in Tortuguero National Park, plan your visit around low tide. Many shorebirds, especially those feeding in mudflats and mangroves, are most active at low tide when prey is easiest to catch.
Observing the Roseate Spoonbill and other shorebirds in Tortuguero National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. From the flamboyant colors of the spoonbill to the hunting antics of the Green Heron, each species plays a unique role in this vibrant ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a casual nature enthusiast, the mangroves of Tortuguero promise a close encounter with some of nature’s most captivating shorebirds.
Mawamba Lodge, located in a small town that is unique, remote, and distinctive, is located on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean Coast, straddling the sea and a labyrinth of canals. Its community is an example of how to live surrounded by water, nature, and lush vegetation. To get here, you must take a boat or fly with a local airline. The recommended transport is the
Mawamba’s direct boat service with only one departure time a day. This is 11:00 am. The cost are $20 + VAT.
Mawamba Lodge is located northeast of a little town on a narrow strip of land between the canals, mangroves and the Caribbean Sea, thereby offering you direct access to both. It is a wonderful place to stay to see a lot of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna. The food in the lodge is excellent and the staff are very friendly, helpful and courteous. The lodge has lots of opportunities for birding or to relax. It’s only a few minutes to the beach (where you can’t swim) and if you’re lucky you’ll see sloths in the garden.
Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, renowned for its winding waterways and lush mangroves, offers a haven for a wide variety of shorebirds. Birdwatchers from around the world flock here to catch sight of the park’s unique avian species, from flamboyant Roseate Spoonbills to a diversity of herons and egrets. With its expansive mangrove forests and coastal lagoons, Tortuguero provides ideal nesting and feeding grounds for these fascinating birds. So prepare your binoculars, bring a field guide, and let the beauty of Tortuguero’s avian world unfold!
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