Hedgerows live fences and windbreaks, traces of inexperienced house that bisect fields and pastures. They cannot present the identical ecosystem worth as pure forest and woodland however in locations intensely modified by folks, hedges are very important sanctuaries for birds and different wildlife. In Costa Rica, we now have these dwelling fences, these planted rivulets of inexperienced. On some espresso farms, hedgerows could be splendidly developed tangles of native timber, vines, and launched crops. In pastures of the recent lowlands, they are usually traces of stunted Gumbo-Limbo timber or another closely pruned species. In step with the depauperate biodiversity of open fields, such scraggly hedgerows host only a few birds.
The extra developed hedgerows are the place we discover life, the place we will see flycatchers and tanagers feeding on berries and word the clumsy stick nests of White-winged Doves and Crimson-billed Pigeons.
Along with these birds and the Squirrel Cuckoo pictured above, the next are a number of the extra widespread hedgerow species of Costa Rica. You will discover them in different forms of edge habitats too. It is value studying these widespread birds of Costa Rica earlier than visiting; you may doubtless see them.
Hoffmann’s Woodpecker
This lovely woodpecker does very effectively in edge habitats and is the widespread, anticipated species within the Central Valley and dry areas of the Pacific slope. As with the entire birds on this publish, hedges most likely assist their populations within the Central Valley.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and different hummingbird species
Take a stroll by any hedgerow in Costa Rica and you may most likely see a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. Preserve wanting and also you would possibly see another members of this glittering, fast-paced household. Within the Central Valley, these further species have a tendency to incorporate Blue-vented Hummingbird and the Plain-capped Startthroat.
Crimson-fronted Parakeet
Though a couple of parrot and parakeet can forage in hedgerows, this long-tailed inexperienced chicken is the most typical. Hear for his or her typical, parakeet screeches and once they take flight, look ahead to the purple and yellow on the underwing.
Nice Kiskadee and related kiskadee-like species
Daring and in your face, you’ll be able to’t miss the Nice Kiskadee. This species loves hedgerows, particularly effectively developed ones with small fruits and an abundance of bugs. Whereas watching kiskadees, maintain an eye fixed out for the smaller but widespread Social Flycatcher and, in areas with taller timber, the Boat-billed Flycatcher.
It is value figuring out the Tropical Kingbird too, a species that loves hedgerows as a lot because it likes roadside wires.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia
This chicken with the outstanding crest is a traditional hedgerow species. Harking back to any variety of Asian bulbuls, it likes to feed on small berries. Hear for its “screaming” vocalizations.
Cabanis’s Wren
Just like the elaenia, this fair-sized wren does very effectively in hedgerow habitats. Go birding the place it happens and you may most likely hear it. Be affected person and it is best to ultimately see it too.
Grayish (Cinnamon-bellied Saltator)
One other typical chicken of hedgerow habitats, I hear the whistled music of this cardinal-like chicken every morning. I additionally hear and generally see one perched on the high of a bush whereas I’m ready in site visitors. The chicken sings loud and clear as dust bikes and vehicles rush by, as folks folks converse and go by on sidewalks. So long as hedges are current, this cool tropical species does very effectively in city habitats.
Rufous-collared Sparrow
We’ve got Home Sparrows too however this chicken is far more widespread. That is our ordinary sparrow, the one which sings a cheery music from a roadside wire, those that forages on the bottom. Hedgerows appear to supply necessary breeding spots for this good wanting chicken.
Chestnut-capped Warbler
This lovely little chicken is a standard species of hedgerow habitats and thank goodness for that as a result of the day is all the time higher whenever you see a wood-warbler.
Blue-gray Tanager
Widespread and widespread however this pale sky blue chicken is a good looking chicken Nonetheless.
The birds proven above are a number of the extra widespread hedgerow species of Costa Rica however they don’t seem to be the one ones. Many different birds additionally use this managed inexperienced house, birds like Lesson’s Motto, Brown Jay, Yellow-green Vireo and numerous different resident species. Migrant birds in Costa Rica feed there too, many Crimson-eyed Vireos, Japanese Kingbirds, Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow Warblers, and different species. I see hedgerows and they’re a reminder of the huge impression we now have on our pure environment. Nonetheless, I see the birds that use them and am reminded of their optimistic position in city environment. I hope we will reforest wherever attainable however I additionally hope extra folks can understand the worth that mature hedgerows deliver to a neighborhood, of preserving this naturally sculpted inexperienced house as an alternative of chopping it down.
