The bellbird CONSERVATION PROGRAM
The Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus) is a Central American endemic species facing a serious risk of extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation. With only four known substantial populations remaining—primarily concentrated in Costa Rica—urgent conservation efforts are critical to its survival. Monteverde is home to one of the largest populations, making it a key stronghold for the species. However, deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate change have severely impacted the forests bellbirds rely on for migration, feeding, and breeding.
In response to its decline, the FCC was established to protect and restore essential habitat. To date, we have safeguarded over 64 hectares (158 acres) across multiple wildlife refuges and conservation easements. We have restored more than 223 hectares (551 acres) of degraded pasture through native tree plantings. Our reforestation efforts focus on creating biological corridors that reconnect fragmented forests, ensuring that bellbirds and other wildlife can move freely across the landscape.
Additionally, we engage in scientific research, community outreach, and education programs to raise awareness about the bellbird’s plight and promote sustainable land-use practices. By working alongside local landowners, farmers, and conservationists, we aim to strengthen habitat connectivity, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience. Protecting the Three-wattled Bellbird is not just about saving one species—it is about preserving an entire ecosystem and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and people.
In response to its decline, the FCC was established to protect and restore essential habitat. To date, we have safeguarded over 64 hectares (158 acres) across multiple wildlife refuges and conservation easements. We have restored more than 223 hectares (551 acres) of degraded pasture through native tree plantings. Our reforestation efforts focus on creating biological corridors that reconnect fragmented forests, ensuring that bellbirds and other wildlife can move freely across the landscape.
Additionally, we engage in scientific research, community outreach, and education programs to raise awareness about the bellbird’s plight and promote sustainable land-use practices. By working alongside local landowners, farmers, and conservationists, we aim to strengthen habitat connectivity, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience. Protecting the Three-wattled Bellbird is not just about saving one species—it is about preserving an entire ecosystem and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and people.
MEET THE BELLBIRD
The Bellbird Conservation Project was established in 1992 by Dr. George V.N. Powell—one of the founders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve—along with Carlos Guindon and Robin Bjork. In 1997, the project expanded its focus to assess the species' status across Costa Rica and Panama. Research findings revealed that habitat loss on Central America's Pacific slope, where bellbirds spend half the year, was a primary driver of their decline.
As their habitat disappears, bellbirds are forced to rely on small, fragmented forest patches during the post-breeding season. In the 1990s, estimates suggested that more than 350 individual birds were confined to less than 10 hectares (25 acres) of Tropical Rain Shadow Forest. Today, that number has dwindled to less than half.
Bellbirds depend on the Rain Shadow Forest for at least three months each year, yet this critical habitat in the Pacific highlands remains poorly protected and continues to disappear at an alarming rate. The map below highlights how the Tropical Rain Shadow Forest has been largely excluded from national parks and major conservation initiatives.
From 1997 to 2010, the FCC monitored Monteverde’s bellbird population, confirming a steady decline. The accompanying graph underscores our concerns. Bellbirds are frugivores, primarily consuming Lauraceae fruit, commonly known as wild avocados. To combat habitat loss, the Bellbird Conservation Project restores forest landscapes by planting these and other native tree species in proportions that reflect a natural ecosystem. This approach is informed by the PhD research of Carlos Guindon, who categorized the region’s forests by tree family composition.
As their habitat disappears, bellbirds are forced to rely on small, fragmented forest patches during the post-breeding season. In the 1990s, estimates suggested that more than 350 individual birds were confined to less than 10 hectares (25 acres) of Tropical Rain Shadow Forest. Today, that number has dwindled to less than half.
Bellbirds depend on the Rain Shadow Forest for at least three months each year, yet this critical habitat in the Pacific highlands remains poorly protected and continues to disappear at an alarming rate. The map below highlights how the Tropical Rain Shadow Forest has been largely excluded from national parks and major conservation initiatives.
From 1997 to 2010, the FCC monitored Monteverde’s bellbird population, confirming a steady decline. The accompanying graph underscores our concerns. Bellbirds are frugivores, primarily consuming Lauraceae fruit, commonly known as wild avocados. To combat habitat loss, the Bellbird Conservation Project restores forest landscapes by planting these and other native tree species in proportions that reflect a natural ecosystem. This approach is informed by the PhD research of Carlos Guindon, who categorized the region’s forests by tree family composition.
The annual Bellbird Census in Costa Rica from the period of 1997 - 2010 was a crucial conservation effort aimed at monitoring the population of the endangered Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus). Conducted by researchers, volunteers, and the Fundación Conservacionista Costarricense (FCC), the census tracked the bird's seasonal movements, habitat use, and population trends. These distinctive birds, known for their metallic, bell-like calls, migrate between lowland forests and cloud forests, making habitat preservation essential. Data collected helps inform conservation strategies, ensuring that efforts to protect critical ecosystems, such as those in Monteverde, remain effective in safeguarding this iconic species. Several of our publications (see Research-publications) provide more detailed information regarding bellbird natural history, migration, vocalizations, territories, molt sequence, and other interesting behaviors.
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Bellbird Migration
The Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus) migrates between Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama throughout the year. During the breeding season, typically from March to July, male bellbirds are most commonly found in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, where they display their distinctive, metallic calls to attract mates. As the season progresses, they migrate to lower elevations in search of fruiting trees, moving into the lowland forests of Nicaragua and the Caribbean slopes of Costa Rica and Panama. This altitudinal migration is driven by seasonal fruit availability, as bellbirds primarily feed on large-seeded fruits from trees such as those in the Lauraceae family. However, habitat loss due to deforestation threatens their migratory routes, making conservation efforts crucial for protecting both their breeding and foraging habitats.
bellbird populations
Bellbird populations in these three countries are relatively small and fragmented, with the species considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction. While Costa Rica has some of the most well-studied populations, particularly in protected cloud forests like Monteverde, populations in Nicaragua and Panama face increasing pressure from deforestation. Conservation initiatives, such as reforestation projects and the protection of ecological corridors, play a critical role in ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic species.
