Sandwiched between the Pacific and Caribbean, Costa Rica is a hotspot for bird watchers. A total of 894 birds have been recorded in this mountainous country who’s landmass is smaller than West Virginia and just a tad larger than Denmark. With more bird diversity than the United States and Canada combined, over 600 bird species are permanent residents. The diminutive scintillant hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla), is Costa Rica’s smallest bird species while the 6.5 kg jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) is their largest. Ironically, the country known for flamboyant birds like the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) and scarlet macaw (Ara macao) has chosen the drab clay-colored robin (Turdis grayi) as its national bird.
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