Riparian Zone at Tapir Valley

Riparian zones are areas of incredible diversity, and that's on display when you spend some time around the creek that passes through Tapir Valley.

Our creek is spring-fed, so it's full of water even during the dry season. This year-round healthy water source is used by the Baird's Tapir and a variety of bird species.

The riparian zone is also patrolled by native cats: we've seen both puma and ocelots in this area of Tapir Valley.

Royal Flycatchers are an elusive bird that require wet, primary forest habitat. We are lucky to have a pair that nests every year here at Tapir Valley.

Their nest is built directly over the stream to protect it from predation, and both adults spend their time guarding the nest and catching food for the nestlings.

One of the most challenging hummingbirds of Costa Rica, the White-tipped Sicklebill is another species that depends on flowing water in primary forest with heliconia flowers. 

Our creek is the perfect spot for these amazing birds, and there is a pair that lives year-round here and nests above the water.

The creek at Tapir Valley is home to two species of kingfisher: the Green and the American Pygmy.

These small kingfishers love to fish for the frogs and fish that live in the creek and lagoons here.