Patagonia attracts 1000’s of holiday makers yearly in search of guanacos, pumas, and glaciers. However the birds of Patagonia are equally spectacular! Right here’s a listing of 32 Patagonian birds that you simply may spot throughout your travels. However first, a brief introduction to birding hotspots in Patagonia.
The range of habitats in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, in Chilean Patagonia, is house to over 100 chicken species together with 15 birds of prey. Torres del Paine and the environs have 4 kinds of vegetation – pre-Andean scrubland on the banks of rivers and lakes, beech forests, Magallanes tundra, and high-altitude vegetation which disappears because the altitude will increase.
Birds of Patagonia: Upland Geese in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Chile
This array of habitats helps all kinds of wildlife. From condors to rheas and pelicans to flamingos, this nationwide park presents many alternatives for chicken watchers.
Subsequent door to the favored city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, in Argentine Patagonia, is known for its shoreline, waterways, and forests. With over 220 species of birds, this nationwide park is a must-see when visiting the southernmost tip of South America.
Ushuaia, the port the place boats to Antarctica depart, can be an awesome place to observe seabirds or take a ship tour to see penguins.
One other place value mentioning is Bahía Inútil, a bay a couple of hours north of Ushuaia. A number of years in the past a couple of king penguins visited. They got here again the subsequent yr and determined to settle and type a small colony. You’ll be able to go to the colony of this penguin species on a birding tour (extra data under).
Condors and different scavengers like this immature Black-chested Buzzard Eagle and Crested Caracara are frequent in southern Patagonia.
*This text could include affiliate hyperlinks. We obtain a small fee at no further value to you.*
Birdwatching excursions in Patagonia
Get your flights to Argentina here.
Get your flights to Chile here.
Really useful Patagonia chicken guides
Crested caracara (Caracara plancus) having a meal
The Crested caracara (Caracara plancus) is present in open and semi-open habitats from Tierra del Fuego NP in Patagonia to southern Peru. Feeds on carcasses, however will even take small birds.
The place to see Crested caracara: Torres del Paine NP, Tierra del Fuego NP, Puerto Natales space.
Black-chested Buzzard eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), grownup and juvenile
The black-chested buzzard eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) is a powerful-built raptor that lives at excessive altitudes in mountain ranges. Solely adults current the black chest and white stomach which are so attribute of this species, whereas juveniles are extra of a mottled-brown colour.
The place to see the black-chested buzzard eagle: Torres del Paine NP, Puerto Natales space
Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) at Laguna Amarga, outdoors Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Chile.
Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) are present in Patagonia’s salt lakes, estuaries, and lagoons. In comparison with the American flamingo, the Chilean flamingo’s head and neck are lighter coloured, and their payments have a bigger quantity of black.
The place to see them: Laguna Azul and Laguna Amarga in Torres del Paine NP
Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at Seno Otway colony in Chile
You don’t must go to Antarctica to see penguins. The Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) breeds as far north as Caleta Valdés (Valdés peninsula) and the most important colony of Magellanic penguins in South America is discovered 115 miles north of Puerto Madryn, in Punta Tombo Nationwide Reserve.
The place to see penguins in Patagonia: Seno Otway, Martillo Island, Punta Tombo Nationwide Reserve (Puerto Madryn)
Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata)
You gained’t discover the lesser rhea (Rhea pennata) up within the sky as that is a wholly flightless chicken. Assume ostrich however smaller. Also referred to as Darwin’s Rhea, it’s discovered within the Patagonian steppes or grasslands. They unfold their wings when operating. These rhea dwelling on the Patagonian Steppe are referred to as Lesser Rhea.
The place to see lesser rhea: Torres del Paine NP
Austral Parakeet Enicognathus ferrugineus) in Tierra Del Fuego Nationwide Park, Argentina.
The Austral parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) is the southernmost parrot on the planet. Discovered from Tierra del Fuego within the south to as far north as Temuco. This parrot is primarily inexperienced, calmly barred, with some boring pink on the brow, stomach, and higher tail.
The place to see the Austral Parakeet: Tierra del Fuego NP, Torres del Paine NP
Darkish-bellied Cinclodes (Cinclodes patagonicus)
The dark-bellied cinclodes (Cinclodes patagonicus) is discovered within the western southern tip of South America, from Valparaiso to Ushuaia. Within the northern elements of its vary, it may be discovered at altitudes as much as 8,200 ft, and within the southern half, they’re discovered at decrease altitudes. They’re usually discovered close to the water on riverbanks, coastlines, lakes, and streams.
The place to see the dark-bellied cinclodes: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park
Dolphin Gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii)
The dolphin gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii/ Larus scoresbii)is native to southern Chile and Argentina and the Falkland Islands. Likes rocky shores and seabird colonies, however can be present in lakes close to the coast. Might be recognized by their gray physique and their pink invoice and pink legs.
The place to see dolphin gulls: Pretty straightforward to identify across the Ushuaia coast.
Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
The Austral Pygmy owl (Glaucidium nana) is the smallest owl in Patagonia. These tiny owls inhabit the temperate forests of Patagonia and it’s simpler to identify them in the course of the day perched on low branches. From these perches they hunt for reptiles, small birds, bugs, and small mammals.
The place to see them: Torres del Paine NP, Tierra del Fuego NP
Andean Condor (Vultures gryphon), Andes Mountains, East of Santiago, Chile
On the wishlist of all nature lovers that go to Patagonia, the Andean condor (Vultures gryphon) has one of many largest wingspans of any chicken on the planet: 10.5 toes! They’re certainly one of many largest flying birds. The Andean condor soars by means of the sky like a glider, and catching a glimpse of this chicken in locations like Torres del Paine is an unimaginable sight.
The Andean condor is the nationwide chicken of Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador.
The place to see Andean condors in Patagonia: Cerro Palomares, Coyhaique, Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
Rock Cormorant (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) at Tierra del Fuego
The rock cormorant (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) is a small cormorant discovered alongside rocky coastlines. They construct their nests out of aquatic vegetation (like seaweed) in November, and the chicks don’t fledge till January/February, so this can be a good time to identify them whereas they have an inclination to their offspring.
The place to see rock cormorants: Straightforward to identify alongside Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego NP
Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida) Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Present in coastal areas the kelp goose (Chloephaga hybrida) is definitely identifiable as a result of the male is pure white whereas the feminine is brown with white barring and a white tail.
The place to see kelp goose: Coast round Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
The kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) is frequent within the Southern Hemisphere and is discovered as far south as Antarctica. Grownup kelp gulls have black backs, and wings with little white. They’re omnivorous and they’re going to use their {powerful} beaks to harass right whales and feed on items of blubber and pores and skin of reside whales, a conduct noticed in Peninsula Valdés.
The place to see the kelp gull: Tierra del Fuego NP
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
The attractive Southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) is the one crested wader in South America. Identifiable by its sample and colours, has a white stomach, black breast, grey head, and bronzy and inexperienced shoulder. They’re present in small flocks in open habitats close to water.
The place to see Southern lapwings: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine
Upland Goose (Chloephaga picta), Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Chile.
The upland goose (Chloephaga picta) is discovered on Patagonian steppe grasslands, lakes, wetlands, and coastal areas. The male has a white head, neck and breast, whereas the remainder of the physique is generally barred. Females are brown with a barred chest. They nest close to water and like to sleep in lakes the place they’re secure from predators.
The place to see upland geese: Grasslands round Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
Ashy-headed Goose (Chloephaga poliocephala)
The ashy-headed goose (Chloephaga poliocephala) might be present in lakes and wetlands round forested areas. They’re typically present in small teams with different teams of upland geese. Women and men look alike.
The place to see ashy-headed geese: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park
Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereous)
Widespread in open habitats, the cinereous harrier (Circus cinereous) might be discovered perched on posts or on the bottom throughout its vary from the Andean Altiplano to lowland marshes. This chicken of prey nests on the bottom, normally on clumps of tall grass or reeds.
The place to see cinereous harriers: Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Tierra del Fuego
Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis)
Typically heard earlier than being seen, the black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis) is a typical chicken within the grasslands of Patagonia. Foraging on the bottom, they are often noticed in teams whereas looking. The black-faced ibis roosts on bushes and cliffs.
The place to see black-faced ibis: Torres del Paine NP
Chiloé (Southern) Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix)
This attractive duck is commonly seen on grassy areas close to the shore. The Chiloé wigeon (Anas sibilatrix) has hanging head colours with an iridescent green-blue-teal cap, pale face, and a blueish invoice with a black tip.
The place to see the Chiloé (southern) wigeon: Final Hope Sound close to Puerto Natales, Tierra del Fuego.
Black-necked Swan in Patagonia (Cygnus melancoryphus)
Black-necked swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) can measure as much as 4.5 toes and are migratory, flying north in winter to hotter climates. These lovely birds are simply recognized by their white physique and black neck. Cygnets are born white.
The place to see black-necked swans: Final Hope Sound in Puerto Natales.
Imperial Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps) in southern Patagonia
Discovered on coastal water in southern Patagonia, the imperial cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps) is commonly discovered on piers, seawalls, and rocks. Their plumage varies regionally with some having extra white on their heads and cheeks, and a few having extra black (just like the subspecies referred to as the king cormorant). All of them have white bellies and black backs and wings. Also referred to as the imperial shag.
The place to see Imperial cormorants: Isla de los Leones, Final Hope Sound (Seno Ultimo Esperanza) by Puerto Fatales.
Yellow-billed pintail (Anas georgica)
The yellow-billed pintail (Anas georgica) is a typical sight round lakes and wetlands. Much like yellow-billed teals, pintails are bigger and with dark-mottled sides.
The place to see yellow-billed pintails: Tierra del Fuego NP
Yellow-billed teal (Anas flavirostris) is definitely misidentified as yellow-billed pintail. The teal is smaller and with gray sides, whereas the pintail has mottled sides (see earlier chicken description)
The place to see yellow-billed teals: Tierra del Fuego NP
Coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) and cygnets on a lagoon south of Cerro Castillo
The Coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) is typically discovered with black-necked swans. The Coscoroba swan is white with black wingtips, that are solely seen when in flight.
The place to see coscoroba swans: Tierra del Fuego NP, Cerro Castillo NP
Austral Blackbird (Curaeus curaeus)
The Austral blackbird (Curaeus curaeus) might be present in small flocks on the edges of beech forests and round shrubland.
The place to see Austral blackbirds: Torres del Paine NP
Chilean Flicker (Colaptes pitius)
The Chilean flicker (Colaptes pitius) lives in beech forests. Simply recognized by its barred wings and boring yellow rump. They feed on the bottom and nest in tree cavities.
The place to see Chilean flicker: Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
Flightless (Magellanic) Steamer Duck (Tachyeres pteneres)
The flightless steamer duck (Tachyeres pteneres), often known as the Fuegian duck, is discovered alongside rocky coasts and never discovered on lakes. This massive and heavy duck nests in heavy vegetation or in deserted penguin burrows from September by means of December.
The place to see the flightless steamer duck: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park
Feminine chimango caracara (Milvago chimango)
A year-round resident in its vary, the chimango caracara (Milvago chimango) might be discovered throughout Patagonia in all kinds of habitats, from shrubland to grassland, city, open woodlands, and marshes. Whereas males have yellow pores and skin across the eyes and yellow legs and toes, females have pink reddish pores and skin across the eyes and grey/blue legs and toes.
The place to see chimango caracara: Tierra del Fuego NP, Torres del Paine NP
Nice Grebe by its nest (Podiceps main)
The nice grebe (Podiceps main) is the most important species of grebe on the planet and may weigh as much as 4.4 kilos. It’s discovered from southeastern Brazil to Patagonia to central Chile. Nice grebes present in southern Chile and Argentina are thought-about a subspecies (Podiceps main navasi). Present in open waterways and estuary marshes.
The place to see nice grebes: Tierra del Fuego NP
Male Gray-hooded Sierra Finch (Phrygilus gayi)
The grey-hooded sierra finch (Phrygilus gayi) is present in scrubby habitat. Whereas the males are bicolor (darkish gray hood and wings and greenish yellow physique), females and juveniles have a whitish stomach and darkish whiskers.
The place to see grey-hooded Sierra finches: Tierra del Fuego NP
Spectacled Duck (Speculanus specularis)
Identifiable by its daring white patch below the attention, the spectacled duck (Speculanus specularis) is present in lakes and ponds, but additionally close to fast-flowing water. Their bronze wing panel is hidden when not in flight. Their outdated identify was bronze-winged duck.
The place to see spectacled geese: Torres del Paine NP, Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas
Plumbeous Rail (Rallus sanguinolentus)
Present in marshes and ponds, the plumbeous rail (Rallus sanguinolentus) has a brown again and pink eyes and legs. Their beaks are colourful, yellow with a pink spot on the decrease mandible and a blue spot on the higher mandible. Beaks are duller in juveniles, just like the one within the photograph.
The place to see the plumbeous rail: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, Torres del Paine NP
Patagonia is an unimaginable place for birdwatchers. With such an array of ecosystems, the range of Patagonian birds will make any nature lovers blissful. Get out and benefit from the birds of Patagonia!
Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has labored within the area with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Administrators of SEE Turtles, a non-profit sea turtle conservation group.
Learn her posts at Journey For Wildlife and see extra of her work at Truly Wild, & Our Wild Yard.
The range of habitats in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, in Chilean Patagonia, is house to over 100 chicken species together with 15 birds of prey. Torres del Paine and the environs have 4 kinds of vegetation – pre-Andean scrubland on the banks of rivers and lakes, beech forests, Magallanes tundra, and high-altitude vegetation which disappears because the altitude will increase.
Birds of Patagonia: Upland Geese in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Chile
This array of habitats helps all kinds of wildlife. From condors to rheas and pelicans to flamingos, this nationwide park presents many alternatives for chicken watchers.
Subsequent door to the favored city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, in Argentine Patagonia, is known for its shoreline, waterways, and forests. With over 220 species of birds, this nationwide park is a must-see when visiting the southernmost tip of South America.
Ushuaia, the port the place boats to Antarctica depart, can be an awesome place to observe seabirds or take a ship tour to see penguins.
One other place value mentioning is Bahía Inútil, a bay a couple of hours north of Ushuaia. A number of years in the past a couple of king penguins visited. They got here again the subsequent yr and determined to settle and type a small colony. You’ll be able to go to the colony of this penguin species on a birding tour (extra data under).
Condors and different scavengers like this immature Black-chested Buzzard Eagle and Crested Caracara are frequent in southern Patagonia.
*This text could include affiliate hyperlinks. We obtain a small fee at no further value to you.*
Birdwatching excursions in Patagonia
- Birdwatching tour in Tierra del Fuego NP: spot Austral parakeet, Austral pygmy-Owl, Magellanic woodpecker, Thorn-tailed rayadito, black-necked swan, nice grebe, upland goose, Andean condor, Magellanic and blackish oystercatcher, and kelp goose amongst others.
- Boat trip to Penguin colony from Ushuaia: birds seen are Magellanic penguins, imperial cormorants and rock cormorants, skuas, black-browed albatross, steamer geese, cauquenes, Prepare dinner seagulls and grey seagulls.
- Magellanic penguin colony at Puerto Madryn tour. Stroll alongside the penguin colony and see penguins at eye degree.
- Magellanic penguin colony at Isla Martillo from a boat and canoeing on the Beagle Channel day journey.
- Andean condor tour at Cerro Palomares from Punta Arenas
- Andean condor tour at Coyhaique, Chile
- King Penguin tour at Bahía Inútil, from Punta Arenas
Get your flights to Argentina here.
Get your flights to Chile here.
Really useful Patagonia chicken guides
32 Birds of Patagonia
Southern-crested caracara
Crested caracara (Caracara plancus) having a meal
The Crested caracara (Caracara plancus) is present in open and semi-open habitats from Tierra del Fuego NP in Patagonia to southern Peru. Feeds on carcasses, however will even take small birds.
The place to see Crested caracara: Torres del Paine NP, Tierra del Fuego NP, Puerto Natales space.
Black-chested Buzzard-eagle
Black-chested Buzzard eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), grownup and juvenile
The black-chested buzzard eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) is a powerful-built raptor that lives at excessive altitudes in mountain ranges. Solely adults current the black chest and white stomach which are so attribute of this species, whereas juveniles are extra of a mottled-brown colour.
The place to see the black-chested buzzard eagle: Torres del Paine NP, Puerto Natales space
Chilean Flamingos
Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) at Laguna Amarga, outdoors Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Chile.
Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) are present in Patagonia’s salt lakes, estuaries, and lagoons. In comparison with the American flamingo, the Chilean flamingo’s head and neck are lighter coloured, and their payments have a bigger quantity of black.
The place to see them: Laguna Azul and Laguna Amarga in Torres del Paine NP
Magellanic penguin
Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at Seno Otway colony in Chile
You don’t must go to Antarctica to see penguins. The Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) breeds as far north as Caleta Valdés (Valdés peninsula) and the most important colony of Magellanic penguins in South America is discovered 115 miles north of Puerto Madryn, in Punta Tombo Nationwide Reserve.
The place to see penguins in Patagonia: Seno Otway, Martillo Island, Punta Tombo Nationwide Reserve (Puerto Madryn)
Lesser Rhea
Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata)
You gained’t discover the lesser rhea (Rhea pennata) up within the sky as that is a wholly flightless chicken. Assume ostrich however smaller. Also referred to as Darwin’s Rhea, it’s discovered within the Patagonian steppes or grasslands. They unfold their wings when operating. These rhea dwelling on the Patagonian Steppe are referred to as Lesser Rhea.
The place to see lesser rhea: Torres del Paine NP
Austral Parakeet
Austral Parakeet Enicognathus ferrugineus) in Tierra Del Fuego Nationwide Park, Argentina.
The Austral parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) is the southernmost parrot on the planet. Discovered from Tierra del Fuego within the south to as far north as Temuco. This parrot is primarily inexperienced, calmly barred, with some boring pink on the brow, stomach, and higher tail.
The place to see the Austral Parakeet: Tierra del Fuego NP, Torres del Paine NP
Darkish-bellied Cinclodes
Darkish-bellied Cinclodes (Cinclodes patagonicus)
The dark-bellied cinclodes (Cinclodes patagonicus) is discovered within the western southern tip of South America, from Valparaiso to Ushuaia. Within the northern elements of its vary, it may be discovered at altitudes as much as 8,200 ft, and within the southern half, they’re discovered at decrease altitudes. They’re usually discovered close to the water on riverbanks, coastlines, lakes, and streams.
The place to see the dark-bellied cinclodes: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park
Dolphin Gull
Dolphin Gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii)
The dolphin gull (Leucophaeus scoresbii/ Larus scoresbii)is native to southern Chile and Argentina and the Falkland Islands. Likes rocky shores and seabird colonies, however can be present in lakes close to the coast. Might be recognized by their gray physique and their pink invoice and pink legs.
The place to see dolphin gulls: Pretty straightforward to identify across the Ushuaia coast.
Austral Pygmy Owl
Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
The Austral Pygmy owl (Glaucidium nana) is the smallest owl in Patagonia. These tiny owls inhabit the temperate forests of Patagonia and it’s simpler to identify them in the course of the day perched on low branches. From these perches they hunt for reptiles, small birds, bugs, and small mammals.
The place to see them: Torres del Paine NP, Tierra del Fuego NP
Andean Condor
Andean Condor (Vultures gryphon), Andes Mountains, East of Santiago, Chile
On the wishlist of all nature lovers that go to Patagonia, the Andean condor (Vultures gryphon) has one of many largest wingspans of any chicken on the planet: 10.5 toes! They’re certainly one of many largest flying birds. The Andean condor soars by means of the sky like a glider, and catching a glimpse of this chicken in locations like Torres del Paine is an unimaginable sight.
The Andean condor is the nationwide chicken of Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador.
The place to see Andean condors in Patagonia: Cerro Palomares, Coyhaique, Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
Rock Cormorant
Rock Cormorant (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) at Tierra del Fuego
The rock cormorant (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) is a small cormorant discovered alongside rocky coastlines. They construct their nests out of aquatic vegetation (like seaweed) in November, and the chicks don’t fledge till January/February, so this can be a good time to identify them whereas they have an inclination to their offspring.
The place to see rock cormorants: Straightforward to identify alongside Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego NP
Kelp Goose
Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida) Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Present in coastal areas the kelp goose (Chloephaga hybrida) is definitely identifiable as a result of the male is pure white whereas the feminine is brown with white barring and a white tail.
The place to see kelp goose: Coast round Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Kelp Gull
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
The kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) is frequent within the Southern Hemisphere and is discovered as far south as Antarctica. Grownup kelp gulls have black backs, and wings with little white. They’re omnivorous and they’re going to use their {powerful} beaks to harass right whales and feed on items of blubber and pores and skin of reside whales, a conduct noticed in Peninsula Valdés.
The place to see the kelp gull: Tierra del Fuego NP
Southern Lapwing
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
The attractive Southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) is the one crested wader in South America. Identifiable by its sample and colours, has a white stomach, black breast, grey head, and bronzy and inexperienced shoulder. They’re present in small flocks in open habitats close to water.
The place to see Southern lapwings: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine
Upland Goose
Upland Goose (Chloephaga picta), Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Chile.
The upland goose (Chloephaga picta) is discovered on Patagonian steppe grasslands, lakes, wetlands, and coastal areas. The male has a white head, neck and breast, whereas the remainder of the physique is generally barred. Females are brown with a barred chest. They nest close to water and like to sleep in lakes the place they’re secure from predators.
The place to see upland geese: Grasslands round Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
Ashy-headed Goose
Ashy-headed Goose (Chloephaga poliocephala)
The ashy-headed goose (Chloephaga poliocephala) might be present in lakes and wetlands round forested areas. They’re typically present in small teams with different teams of upland geese. Women and men look alike.
The place to see ashy-headed geese: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park
Cinereous Harrier
Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereous)
Widespread in open habitats, the cinereous harrier (Circus cinereous) might be discovered perched on posts or on the bottom throughout its vary from the Andean Altiplano to lowland marshes. This chicken of prey nests on the bottom, normally on clumps of tall grass or reeds.
The place to see cinereous harriers: Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, Tierra del Fuego
Black-faced Ibis
Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis)
Typically heard earlier than being seen, the black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis) is a typical chicken within the grasslands of Patagonia. Foraging on the bottom, they are often noticed in teams whereas looking. The black-faced ibis roosts on bushes and cliffs.
The place to see black-faced ibis: Torres del Paine NP
Chiloe (Southern) Wigeon
Chiloé (Southern) Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix)
This attractive duck is commonly seen on grassy areas close to the shore. The Chiloé wigeon (Anas sibilatrix) has hanging head colours with an iridescent green-blue-teal cap, pale face, and a blueish invoice with a black tip.
The place to see the Chiloé (southern) wigeon: Final Hope Sound close to Puerto Natales, Tierra del Fuego.
Black-necked Swan
Black-necked Swan in Patagonia (Cygnus melancoryphus)
Black-necked swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) can measure as much as 4.5 toes and are migratory, flying north in winter to hotter climates. These lovely birds are simply recognized by their white physique and black neck. Cygnets are born white.
The place to see black-necked swans: Final Hope Sound in Puerto Natales.
Imperial Cormorant
Imperial Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps) in southern Patagonia
Discovered on coastal water in southern Patagonia, the imperial cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps) is commonly discovered on piers, seawalls, and rocks. Their plumage varies regionally with some having extra white on their heads and cheeks, and a few having extra black (just like the subspecies referred to as the king cormorant). All of them have white bellies and black backs and wings. Also referred to as the imperial shag.
The place to see Imperial cormorants: Isla de los Leones, Final Hope Sound (Seno Ultimo Esperanza) by Puerto Fatales.
Yellow-billed pintail
Yellow-billed pintail (Anas georgica)
The yellow-billed pintail (Anas georgica) is a typical sight round lakes and wetlands. Much like yellow-billed teals, pintails are bigger and with dark-mottled sides.
The place to see yellow-billed pintails: Tierra del Fuego NP
Yellow-billed teal
Yellow-billed teal (Anas flavirostris) is definitely misidentified as yellow-billed pintail. The teal is smaller and with gray sides, whereas the pintail has mottled sides (see earlier chicken description)
The place to see yellow-billed teals: Tierra del Fuego NP
Coscoroba Swan
Coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) and cygnets on a lagoon south of Cerro Castillo
The Coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) is typically discovered with black-necked swans. The Coscoroba swan is white with black wingtips, that are solely seen when in flight.
The place to see coscoroba swans: Tierra del Fuego NP, Cerro Castillo NP
Austral Blackbird
Austral Blackbird (Curaeus curaeus)
The Austral blackbird (Curaeus curaeus) might be present in small flocks on the edges of beech forests and round shrubland.
The place to see Austral blackbirds: Torres del Paine NP
Chilean Flicker
Chilean Flicker (Colaptes pitius)
The Chilean flicker (Colaptes pitius) lives in beech forests. Simply recognized by its barred wings and boring yellow rump. They feed on the bottom and nest in tree cavities.
The place to see Chilean flicker: Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
Flightless steamer duck / Magellanic steamer duck
Flightless (Magellanic) Steamer Duck (Tachyeres pteneres)
The flightless steamer duck (Tachyeres pteneres), often known as the Fuegian duck, is discovered alongside rocky coasts and never discovered on lakes. This massive and heavy duck nests in heavy vegetation or in deserted penguin burrows from September by means of December.
The place to see the flightless steamer duck: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park
Chimango Caracara
Feminine chimango caracara (Milvago chimango)
A year-round resident in its vary, the chimango caracara (Milvago chimango) might be discovered throughout Patagonia in all kinds of habitats, from shrubland to grassland, city, open woodlands, and marshes. Whereas males have yellow pores and skin across the eyes and yellow legs and toes, females have pink reddish pores and skin across the eyes and grey/blue legs and toes.
The place to see chimango caracara: Tierra del Fuego NP, Torres del Paine NP
Nice Grebe
Nice Grebe by its nest (Podiceps main)
The nice grebe (Podiceps main) is the most important species of grebe on the planet and may weigh as much as 4.4 kilos. It’s discovered from southeastern Brazil to Patagonia to central Chile. Nice grebes present in southern Chile and Argentina are thought-about a subspecies (Podiceps main navasi). Present in open waterways and estuary marshes.
The place to see nice grebes: Tierra del Fuego NP
Gray-hooded Sierra finch
Male Gray-hooded Sierra Finch (Phrygilus gayi)
The grey-hooded sierra finch (Phrygilus gayi) is present in scrubby habitat. Whereas the males are bicolor (darkish gray hood and wings and greenish yellow physique), females and juveniles have a whitish stomach and darkish whiskers.
The place to see grey-hooded Sierra finches: Tierra del Fuego NP
Spectacled Duck (or Bronze-winged Duck)
Spectacled Duck (Speculanus specularis)
Identifiable by its daring white patch below the attention, the spectacled duck (Speculanus specularis) is present in lakes and ponds, but additionally close to fast-flowing water. Their bronze wing panel is hidden when not in flight. Their outdated identify was bronze-winged duck.
The place to see spectacled geese: Torres del Paine NP, Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas
Plumbeous Rail
Plumbeous Rail (Rallus sanguinolentus)
Present in marshes and ponds, the plumbeous rail (Rallus sanguinolentus) has a brown again and pink eyes and legs. Their beaks are colourful, yellow with a pink spot on the decrease mandible and a blue spot on the higher mandible. Beaks are duller in juveniles, just like the one within the photograph.
The place to see the plumbeous rail: Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, Torres del Paine NP
Last ideas on the birds of Patagonia
Patagonia is an unimaginable place for birdwatchers. With such an array of ecosystems, the range of Patagonian birds will make any nature lovers blissful. Get out and benefit from the birds of Patagonia!
Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has labored within the area with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Administrators of SEE Turtles, a non-profit sea turtle conservation group.
Learn her posts at Journey For Wildlife and see extra of her work at Truly Wild, & Our Wild Yard.