The Yellow-billed Cotinga (Carpodectes antoniae) is a unique regional endemic species whose global population is estimated to be a mere 250 – 999 individuals. Historically found from central Costa Rica down into Panama along the Pacific coastal slope, this bird is now believed to only reside in the mangroves and adjacent rainforests of the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce. It is listed as endangered by BirdLife International but the limited availability of information on its current distribution and abundance likely warrants this species to be uplisted to critical.

Osa Conservation completed a scientific study of the spatial and temporal distribution of this highly endangered bird. Using radio tracking, we were able to follow these birds and determine what habitat they are using for breeding and feeding. We are using this information to inform a regional protection strategy which includes the creation of a reserve that will protect the most critical habitat for these birds. In protecting this land, we can protect a multitude of other flora and fauna that depend upon the same intersection of forest and mangrove habitats.

A Reserve For the Endangered Yellow-billed Cotinga

Osa Conservation partnered with the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, American Bird Conservancy, The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative, and Osa Sounds to establish a reserve to protect one of the last strongholds on earth for this species.

 Join us in this cause:

Make a donation 

Participate in one of our Conservation Birding Trips 

Learn more about our efforts to protect the Yellow-billed Cotinga:

A big THANK YOU to all of our supporters and partners on this project:

Jonathan Franzen – Mary Jo Crawford – Crystal Perry – Kimberly Haebig – Patricia Morateck – Joann Marshall – Michael O’Brien – Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Rigden – Scott Reich – Margaret Zappen – Steven Betchkal – Sarah Hole – Buzz Bocher – Kathleen Carlyle – Alan and Jane Wernecke – Friends of Trempealeau Refuge – Aldo Leopold Audubon Society – Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative – Windway Foundation