Tapir Valley Secondary Forest

When we think about tropical forests, we usually imagine dark habitat with old-growth trees, and that is very important habitat for many species. But secondary forests and clearings are also important. Many birds need open areas and lower vegetation for food and nesting.

Tapir Valley has an abundance of primary forest, but when we began our restoration projects twenty years ago, we purposely planned some secondary forest areas to provide a home for those species that depend on that type of habitat.

Tanagers love secondary forest, and we have a fantastic diversity of these birds here. 

The Crimson-collared Tanager shown here is one of the species that nest in our secondary forest.

The Snowcap is one of the most special hummingbirds of Costa Rica.

Limited to the northern Caribbean slope, Tapir Valley has the perfect combination of cleared areas adjacent to primary forest that this species requires.

We see coquettes at Tapir Valley year-round, and they're a species of bird that lives along the edges of the forest.