Hedgerows reside fences and windbreaks, strains of inexperienced house that bisect fields and pastures. They’ll’t present the identical ecosystem worth as pure forest and woodland however in locations intensely modifed by folks, hedges are 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 might be splendidly developed tangles of native bushes, vines, and launched vegetation. In pastures of the recent lowlands, they are usually strains of stunted Gumbo-Limbo bushes 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 are able to see flycatchers and tanagers feeding on berries and word the clumsy stick nests of White-winged Doves and Pink-billed Pigeons.
Along with these birds and the Squirrel Cuckoo pictured above, the next are a number of the extra frequent hedgerow species of Costa Rica. You’ll discover them in different sorts of edge habitats too. It’s price studying these frequent birds of Costa Rica earlier than visiting; you’ll probaby see them.
Hoffmann’s Woodpecker
This lovely woodpecker does very effectively in edge habitats and is the frequent, anticipated species within the Central Valley and dry areas of the Pacific slope. As with all the birds on this submit, hedges in all probability assist their populations within the Central Valley.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and different hummingbird species
Take a stroll by any hedgerow in Costa Rica and also you’ll in all probability see a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. Maintain trying and also you may see another members of this glittering, fast-paced household. Within the Central Valley, these further species have a tendency can embrace Blue-vented Hummingbird and the Plain-capped Starthroat.
Crimson-fronted Parakeet
Though multiple parrot and parakeet can forage in hedgerows, this long-tailed inexperienced hen is the commonest. Pay attention for his or her typical, parakeet screeches and after 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 possibly can’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 a watch out for the smaller but frequent Social Flycatcher and, in areas with taller bushes, the Boat-billed Flycatcher.
It’s price figuring out the Tropical Kingbird too, a species that loves hedgerows as a lot because it likes roadside wires.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia
This hen with the outstanding crest is a basic hedgerow species. Harking back to any variety of Asian bulbuls, it likes to feed on small berries. Pay attention 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 also you’ll in all probability hear it. Be affected person and you need to finally see it too.
Grayish (Cinnamon-bellied Saltator)
One other typical hen of hedgerow habitats, I hear the whistled tune of this cardinal-like hen every morning. I additionally hear and generally see one perched on the prime of a bush whereas I’m ready in site visitors. The hen sings loud and clear as grime 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 now have Home Sparrows too however this hen is far more frequent. That is our typical sparrow, the one which sings a cheery tune from a roadside wire, those that forages on the bottom. Hedgerows appear to supply necessary breeding spots for this sensible trying hen.
Chestnut-capped Warbler
This lovely little hen is a typical species of hedgerow habitats and thank goodness for that as a result of the day is at all times higher if you see a wood-warbler.
Blue-gray Tanager
Widespread and widespread however this pale sky blue hen is a good looking hen nonetheless.
The birds proven above are a number of the extra frequent hedgerow species of Costa Rica however they aren’t the one ones. Many different birds additionally use this managed inexperienced house, birds like Lesson’s Motmot, Brown Jay, Yellow-green Vireo and varied different reisident species. Migrant birds in Costa Rica feed there too, many Pink-eyed Vireos, Japanese Kingbirds, Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow Warblers, and different species. I see hedgerows and they’re a reminder of the huge influence we now have on our pure environment. Nonetheless, I see the birds that use them and am reminded of their optimistic function in city environment. I hope we are able to reforest wherever attainable however I additionally hope extra folks can understand the worth that mature hedgerows carry to a neighborhood, of preserving this naturally sculpted inexperienced house as a substitute of reducing it down.