Parrots in Costa Rica: Types, Calls & Where to Spot Them

Costa Rica is a dream destination for bird lovers, and parrots are one of the most exciting groups to encounter. How can you not be impressed by their vibrant feathers, loud calls, and playful personalities? Plus, these birds bring serious tropical vibes.

And the best part? You don’t need to hike deep into the rainforest to see them. We’ve spotted parrots while driving through the Central Valley, sitting on lodge balconies, and exploring popular areas like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.

We wrote this post to fill you in on everything you need to know about parrots in Costa Rica:

• The most common parrots and parakeets you’re likely to encounter
• How to identify them by color, sound, and behavior
• The best places in the country to spot each species
• Fun facts that make each parrot unique

So, let’s dive into the parrots of paradise!

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)

The Scarlet Macaw is one of the flashiest and most iconic birds in Costa Rica.

With its bright red, yellow, and blue feathers, the Scarlet Macaw is impossible to miss.

You’ll usually hear its loud, screechy calls before you see it flying overhead.

Appearance

• Vibrant red body
• Yellow and blue wings
• Very large: up to 35 in (89 cm) long

Fun Facts

• This bird mates for life and are often seen flying in pairs or groups
• They roost in large, noisy groups
• The population has declined due to habitat loss but are recovering in protected areas
• They are known for their raucous “RAAAK” calls

Where to Spot Them

• Jaco Area
• Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park)
• Carara National Park
• Palo Verde area
• Occasionally near Manuel Antonio

Travel Tip: On numerous occasions we have seen large groups of Scarlet Macaws in the Jaco area. If you are driving along the Central Pacific highway, pull over at the Jaco sign (marked on Google Maps here) and look (and listen) for them in the trees nearby.

Crimson-fronted Parakeet (Psittacara finschi)

These small, social parakeets are among the most commonly seen parrots in Costa Rica.

They’re hard to miss thanks to their bright chatter and colorful red foreheads.

Appearance

• Mostly green body
• Red on forehead and leading wing edge
• Long pointed tail
• About 11 in (28 cm) long

Fun Facts

• They are very common in cities, gardens, and open areas
• They gather in noisy flocks, especially in palm trees
• They have a very distinctive boisterous call: “klee-klee-chee-chee”

Where to Spot Them

• Caribbean Coast
• Central and Southern Pacific
• Often seen in urban areas and open woodlands

White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis)

This medium-sized parrot is a favorite for many visitors. We love its striking white crown and unique coloring that reminds me a bit of a peacock.

Plus, its loud flight calls make it easy to identify, especially in forest edge habitats.

Appearance

• Green body
• White forehead and midcrown
• Dark blue wing patch
• About 10 in (25 cm) long

Fun Facts

• It is very vocal in flight. It often travels in small flocks.
• It nests in natural tree cavities.
• It is frequently seen at eco-lodges near forest edges.

Where to Spot Them

• Central and Southern Pacific
• Wet lowlands and middle elevations
• Caribbean foothills

Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa)

This is one of the largest parrots in Costa Rica.

Despite their size, Mealy Parrots are known for their calm demeanor and soft, deep calls.

Appearance

• Large, green body with bluish tinges
• Pale beak and eye ring
• About 15 in (38 cm) long

Fun Facts

• Their call sounds like a deep “cheyup, cheyup”
• They prefer large fruiting trees in forested areas
• They are often seen in pairs or small groups

Where to Spot Them

• Caribbean lowlands
• Central and Southern Pacific Coast
• Common in gardens and forest edges

Olive-throated Parakeet (Eupsittula nana)

These little parakeets are fast flyers and can be easy to miss unless you catch their soft chatter or spot a flash of blue in their wings.

Appearance

• All green with a dull olive throat
• Small blue patches in wings (visible in flight)
• About 9 in (23 cm) long

Fun Facts

• Quieter than other parakeets
• Frequently seen near forest edges and fruiting trees
• Travel in small flocks

Where to Spot Them

They are common on the Caribbean Coast near Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, and Sarapiquí

Red-lored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis)

This colorful parrot is very similar to the Mealy Parrot but can be distinguished by its red forehead and yellow cheeks.

Appearance

• Green body with red on the forehead
• Yellow cheeks
• About 13 in (33 cm) long

Fun Facts

• Calls are higher-pitched than Mealy Parrots
• Enjoy open areas and edge habitats
• Often seen in groups at forest edges

Where to Spot Them

They are often spotted in the southern central

Tips for Spotting Parrots in the Wild

Want to increase your chances of seeing parrots while in Costa Rica? Here are a few tried-and-true tips:

• Go out early or late. Most parrots are active in the morning and late afternoon.
• Stay quiet and listen. Many parrots are easier to hear than see. Learn their calls!
• Visit eco-lodges. These are often surrounded by trees that parrots love.
• Look for fruiting trees. Parrots flock to trees with ripe fruit.
• Bring binoculars. A compact pair makes it easier to spot birds in the canopy.

Travel Tip: Download the free app Merlin Bird ID. We love it for recognizing bird calls.

Ethical Ways to See Parrots Up Close

If you want a guaranteed sighting and great photos, consider visiting a wildlife rescue center or sanctuary that houses parrots who cannot be released.

These places care for parrots that have been injured, orphaned, or rescued from the pet trade.

Some great options include:

• Toucan Rescue Ranch
• Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
• Jaguar Rescue Center

For more options, check out our guide to wildlife rescue centers in Costa Rica

Fun Parrot Facts

• Parrots are incredibly intelligent and social birds.
• Most parrots form strong pair bonds and travel in groups.
• They use their feet like hands to hold food while eating.
• Some species live up to 60+ years in captivity!
• Macaws are the largest parrots, while parakeets are among the smallest.

Final Thoughts on Parrots in Costa Rica

Spotting a wild parrot in Costa Rica is a moment you won’t forget. We always love to see and hear them. Even after living in the country for almost 10 years, it still never gets old!

Whether you’re a casual traveler or a serious birder, keep your eyes (and ears) open. You never know when a flash of green and a burst of sound will signal a parrot flying by.

If you have any questions about spotting parrots, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!

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