Ibises - Spoobills - Thick-knees - Stork

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to a variety of water-associated bird species, including Ibises (Threskiornithidae), Spoonbills (Plataleidae), Thick-knees (Burhinidae), and Storks (Ciconiidae), which are often found in the park’s wetlands, mudflats, and coastal habitats. Ibises, such as the White Ibis, are commonly seen foraging for small fish, insects, and crustaceans in shallow waters, using their long, curved bills to probe the mud. Spoonbills, like the Roseate Spoonbill, are easily recognized by their distinctive, spoon-shaped bills, which they use to sweep through the water to catch small invertebrates and fish. Thick-knees, with their large, powerful legs and large eyes, are typically found in open, sandy areas near water, where they hunt for insects and small invertebrates. Storks, including the Jabiru Stork, are large wading birds that forage in wetlands, using their long bills to capture fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey. Together, these species contribute to the park's biodiversity and play vital roles in maintaining the health of the park’s aquatic ecosystems by controlling prey populations and supporting nutrient cycling.