Trip Report - Rockjumper Birding Tours

Chile Birds, Wildlife and Andean landscapes 1st to 13th December 2017 (13 days)

& Arica Extension 26th November to 1st December 2017 (6 days)

Trip Report

Magellanic Plover by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Rockjumper Birding Tours

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Trip Report – RBL Chile - Birds, Wildlife & Andean Landscapes and Arica Ext 2017

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Tour Summary Rockjumper’s comprehensive Birds, Wildlife and Andean landscapes of Chile tour of 2017 was simply fantastic. Together with the Arica pre-tour extension, we covered the entire country from north to south and cleaned up on all Chilean endemic bird species! We enjoyed plenty of unique birds and awesome mammals during the tour, with excellent photo opportunities overall. And not to forget the incredible scenery of all the different habitats that we traversed. We started off in the Atacama Desert of Arica, where we got specialities such as Tamarugo Conebill, Slender-billed Finch and the critically endangered Chilean Woodstar. From the desert coast, we travelled up into the arid highlands of the Putre region, where we got plenty of goodies including Ornate Tinamou, White-throated Earthcreeper and Aplomado Falcon. Higher up in the puna altiplano, we enjoyed gems like Diademed SandpiperPlover, Giant Coot, Puna Rhea and three species of flamingo, including the rare James’s. In the central region, we visited the highlands east of Santiago with more Diademed Sandpiper-Plovers and other neat species like Crag Chilia, Moustached Turca and White-sided Hillstar. In the coastal cordillera, we bagged endemics like White-throated Tapaculo and Dusky-tailed Canastero while the diverse wetlands produced plenty of waterfowl, including Coscoroba Swan, Chiloe Wigeon and Blackheaded Duck. A pelagic off Valparaiso yielded no less than four species of albatross, including Northern Royal! South of Santiago, we successfully targeted Burrowing Parrot and Chestnut-throated Huet-huet among others. In the Lake District further south, we enjoyed Slender-billed Parakeet, Yellow-bridled Finch, Magellanic Woodpecker, Chilean Tinamou, Chucao Tapaculo and Rufouslegged Owl, to name a few. Way down south in Patagonia, we got stunners like Magellanic Plover, Flightless Steamer Duck, Dolphin Gull and Chocolate-vented Tyrant; while Tierra del Fuego Island treated us with an amazing colony of King Penguins! ___________________________________________________________________________________

Top ten birds as voted for by participants: 1. King Penguin 2. Magellanic Woodpecker 3. Diademed Sandpiper-Plover 4. Magellanic Plover 5. Lesser Rhea

6. Slender-billed Parakeet 7. Northern Royal Albatross 8. Tamarugo Conebill 9. Des Murs's Wiretail 10. Chilean Tinamou

Top five mammals as voted for by participants: 1. Vicuna 2. Guanaco 3. Southern Mountain Viscacha 4. Commerson's Dolphin 5. South American Grey Fox ___________________________________________________________________________________

Daily Dairy 26th Nov: Arica & Humedal Rio Lluta. Our first bird of the trip was a neat pair of Burrowing Owl showing well near the airport parking of Arica – what a great start! After checking in at our seaside hotel, we visited the rocky shoreline south of the town of Arica first. Here, we encountered massive numbers of coastal birds, including hundreds of wintering Elegant Terns, Franklin’s Gulls, Peruvian Pelicans, Neotropic Cormorants and Whimbrels. Also, both Grey and Belcher’s Gull were present in Rockjumper Birding Tours



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good numbers, and we were able to study their different age plumages at close range. A couple of Surfbirds and Ruddy Turnstones were also present among the herds. A little further south, we successfully targeted our first Chilean endemic: Chilean Seaside Cinclodes. A pair was nesting in the cliff side and showed well. A Marine Otter that we watched here for a prolonged time was a superb bonus! A short sightseeing stop at the San Marcos Cathedral designed by Gustave Eiffel was nice too. The late afternoon was spent at a small coastal marsh at the Lluta river mouth named Humedal Rio Lluta. Here the water birds were surprisingly tame, and we were able to enjoy Cinnamon Teal, Black Skimmer, Hudsonian Godwit, Killdeer, Puna Ibis, Collared Plover, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, White-tufted Grebe, Common Gallinule, Little Blue Heron and others at very close range. A drake Blue-winged Teal and a Stilt Sandpiper were two vagrants for Chile that we picked out of the crowds. Our first Slender-billed Finches were watched in the coastal scrub, and at a waterhole where the Burrowing Owl by Bryan J Smith birds came down to drink. 27th Nov: Caleta Camarones, Chaca Valley & Arica. Caleta Camarones was our first birding stop for the morning. This scenic valley was historically inhabited by the Chinchorro fisherman, one of South America’s oldest pre-ceramic cultures. The scenery was fantastic but the road down to the small fishing port was indeed a little scary. Here we watched an obliging pair of Chilean Seaside Cinclodes, and the three adult Humboldt Penguins in the water were somewhat of a surprise. A rock with beautiful Redlegged Cormorants was scoped, as well as a Peregrine Falcon with its prey. We did a long hike along the beach to look for Pied-crested TitTyrant but failed to find it here. We did get plenty of Slender-billed Finches, Blackish Oystercatchers, Barn and Bank Swallows, Cinereous Conebill and a lone American Golden Plover. Eventually, we located a nice pair of tit-tyrants in a small forest patch further inland. We had our field lunch in the Chaca Valley, where we waited at a flowering bush for the rare Chilean Woodstar to show up. The delicious watermelon that we picked up along the road was a real treat! Our first hummer that we saw was a stunning Oasis Hummingbird, and a little later it was Dick that spotted our first female Chilean Woodstar by Dušan Brinkhuizen woodstar. At another nearby site in the valley, we watched no less than five female-type Chilean Woodstars foraging on small purple flowers. This tiny hummingbird is now considered endemic to the country




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(old sightings were known from extreme south Peru but no recent confirmed records). Now its distribution seems largely restricted to two narrow oasis valleys in the far north of Chile. Historically, it was fairly common in the Arica area, but based on evidence that the species underwent an extremely rapid population decline it has been classified as Critically Endangered by BirdLife. Loss of habitat and use of pesticides were thought to be the principal causes for its rapid decline but competition and displacement by the equally-sized Peruvian Sheartail might also be a factor involved. The identification of Chilean Woodstar was tricky because the females look extremely similar to Peruvian Sheartail; however, the vocalisations that we heard were distinct for the woodstar, and we were also able to photograph the diagnostic rufous bases to the tail feathers. Our next important target was the localised and near-endemic Tamarugo Conebill. At a stakeout, we first found a few of the more common and widespread Cinereous Conebill, but after some persistent searching nearby we eventually found a splendid pair of Tamarugo’s! Peruvian Thick-knee that we scoped just before dinner in the outskirts of Tamarugo Conebill by Dušan Brinkhuizen Arica was a great way to end the day. 28th Nov: Lluta Valley to Putre. In the early morning, we made a short stop at Humedal Rio Lluta again, where we added Croaking Ground Dove to the list. A pair of House Wren of the local race tecellatus was nesting right at the reserve’s sign. The adults showed distinct barring on their mantle. Both Blue-winged Teal and Stilt Sandpiper were still present. A little further down the road, we enjoyed a pair of Peruvian Thick-knees in a field behind the pet graveyard. At the old train station further up the valley, we scanned for the enigmatic Peruvian Martin but only got Barn and Blue-andwhite Swallows, and our first Andean Swifts. Other species that we added here included Chestnutthroated Seedeater, Groove-billed Ani and a displaying male Blue-black Grassquit (aka Jumping Jack!). A flock of four Andean Ibis along the road was an enormous surprise, as this species normally occurs at high elevations of the altiplano. We searched for Peruvian Pygmy Owl near Molinos without success, but did find an Eastern Kingbird en route – another rare boreal migrant to Chile! At a site named Quebrada de Cardones, we stopped for a distinct and regional cactus named Browningia candelaris. In this very sparsely vegetated habitat, we managed to find a neat Straightbilled Earthcreeper and a skulking Streakbacked Tit-Spinetail. Birdlife increased again as we got up to Putre. At the hotel, we enjoyed our first Andean Hillstar, and Mourning Sierra Finch proved to be particularly common. White-throated Earthcreeper was another nice catch in the Peruvian Thick-knee by Bryan J Smith garden. In the canyon behind the hotel, we




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successfully targeted Black-throated Flowerpiercer in the scrub. Giant Hummingbird, Dark-winged and Canyon Canastero, Bare-faced Ground Dove, Band-tailed Seedeater and Blue-and-yellow Tanager were other highlights that we found here. In the late afternoon, we tried for the elusive Ornate Tinamou, and with success – a stunning pair was watched for a prolonged time from the vehicle in the telescope! We also enjoyed watching our first herd of Vicunas at close range. An adult Band-winged Nightjar showed itself really well in the spotlight after dinner. 29th Nov: Las Cuevas & Surire Salt Lake. Today we had an early start driving up to the vast highland plateau of northern Chile. A swift stop at a roadside bog produced our first Grey-bellied Seedsnipe – a new and much-desired bird family for Lynne! Our next stop was Las Cuevas, a small pristine bog within the Band-winged Nightjar by Bryan J Smith borders of Lauca National Park. Here we were greeted by a few Southern Mountain Viscachas – weird looking rabbit-like mammals with long, curly tails. At the bog, we watched Yellow-billed Teals, White-winged Duica Finch, Puna Ground Tyrant, Cordilleran Canastero and more Grey-bellied Seedsnipes, all at close range. Cream-winged and White-winged Cinclodes were foraging side by side, which facilitated the identification. Fairly soon, it was Rodrigo that spotted our principal target: Diademed Sandpiper-Plover! After enjoying this cracking wader through the scope, we carefully approached it for some photo ops. A pair of the rare White-throated Sierra Finch on our way back to the bus was another great find. We then continued our long (and rather dusty) journey to Salar de Surire. It was a significant drive but well worth it, as the scenery of the Chilean altiplano was simply mind-blowing. The high elevation puna habitat en route was not very productive in terms of birds, but we did get a few species like Puna Miner, Variable Hawk and Tawny-throated Dotterel. Vicunas were common to abundant. The sought-after Puna Tinamou remained heard-only, despite a full day of scanning. We did see up to 17 Lesser Rheas, a scarce species in the area. The subspecies tarapacensis is also known as Puna Rhea, and is restricted to the northern altiplano. This race is still considered a subspecies by IOC, but certainly has the potential of getting a full species status in the future. Some authorities already consider it a separate species based on its isolated range and morphological differences with Darwin's (Lesser) Rhea of southern Patagonia. At Surire, we had a late lunch while we watched three flamingo species in the scope: Chilean, Andean and James’s. The latter is also known as Puna Flamingo, but Dušan kept calling it Jameson’s Flamingo for some weird reason. A drive along the extensive salt flats produced close up views of the flamingos plus other goodies, such as Andean Avocet Black-hooded Sierra Finch by Dušan Brinkhuizen and Black Siskin.




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30th Nov: Lauca National Park to Arica. In the morning, we visited Chungurá Lake in Lauca National Park. The scenery here was stunning, with two impressive snow-capped volcanoes, Parinacota and Pomerape, right at the border with Bolivia. At the parking lot, we were greeted by a very friendly Black-hooded Sierra Finch that was looking for a snack. A nice Buff-breasted Earthcreeper showed itself well at the small bog next to us. We continued with a beautiful hike along the lake shore, which produced plenty of new species, including nesting Giant Coot, Puna Teal, Andean Duck, Silvery Grebe, Baird’s Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope, Andean Flicker and no less than three species of Ground Tyrant: Puna, White-fronted and Ochre-naped. A stop at the lovely highland village of Parinacota got us nice views of Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant. Some of us also enjoyed a brief visit to the small handicraft market. The Andean Flicker colony nearby was quite spectacular. The woodpeckers were nesting communally in a wall at the edge of the road, and we probably counted over a dozen individuals! The bogs at Parinacota provided us with some nice photo ops, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover by Bryan J Smith including a beautiful Andean Lapwing. We continued our search for Puna Tinamou and Golden-spotted Ground Dove, but without success. A single Lesser Rhea up the hill was a nice surprise. In terms of mammals, we really hit the jackpot with a group of 14 Taruca, or North Andean Deer – a rare species in Chile. The herd was resting within a military complex, and we had great views from the vehicle. On our way back to Arica, we made a stop at Socoroma. At the edge of the village, we saw several birds of interest, including White-throated Earthcreeper, Giant Hummingbird, Hooded Siskin, Dark-winged Canastero and a neat White-browed Chat-Tyrant. 1st Dec: Farellones. In the afternoon, we visited a highland site about an hour east of Santiago city. Our first roadside stop was awesome, with Chilean Mockingbird and Common Duica Finch both flying in to our pygmy owl whistle. Suddenly, a true pygmy owl responded, and a few minutes later we were watching an adult Austral Pygmy Owl beautifully in the scope! Chilean Tinamou called back in response to our tape, but we did not see it. A California Quail appeared out in the open on the spot – a splendid looking bird but non-native and first introduced to Chile in 1870. Our first Moustached Turca of the trip Chilean Mockingbird by Bryan J Smith was briefly observed while it ran across the road. A Culpeo or Andean Fox also showed up on the road, and was surprisingly tame (people must have fed it in the past). At the highland plateau, we started off with a bang: an adult male Andean Condor! It was picked up in flight and it perched a little later on the cliffs. The scope views that we got




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of this magnificent bird were just great. The rocky habitat with scrubs produced several of our targets, including Sharp-billed Canastero, Scale-throated Earthcreeper, Rufous-banded Miner, White-browed Ground Tyrant, Grey-hooded Sierra Finch and a splendid male White-sided Hillstar. A Magellanic Tapaculo was calling distantly in response to our playback. On our way back, we tried again for the tinamou but without success. A neat Moustached Turca did show up eventually! 2nd Dec: El Yeso Valley. In the lower section of the valley, we successfully targeted the endemic Crag Chilia. A pair of this smart furnarid was nesting in a rock crevice and showed well. A fantastic pair of Moustached Turca showed even better than the day before: exposed on a boulder, completely in the open! A rather skulking pair of Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail was a Crag Chilia by Bryan J Smith new yield here too. Higher up in the valley, we started to see our first Greater Yellow Finches (it became really common as we ascended) and the attractive Yellow-rumped Siskin. A stop at some deserted military barracks produced an obliging Black-fronted Ground Tyrant that approached us nicely. At the large reservoir itself, we did not see much in terms of birds, but the scenery was nice. At the bog further up the valley, we scanned for the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. It did not take long before we found a splendid pair with chicks! We watched this magical species for an extended time in the scope at close range. The adults were on constant lookout; while the camouflaged chicks (apart from their bright orange legs!) were foraging nearby. Grey-breasted Seedsnipes were present at the bog as well. We then searched for the scarce and local Creamy-rumped Miner, but only found a nesting Grey-flanked Cinclodes at the boulders. Several Andean Condors (including juveniles) flew overhead in the strong winds that were going across the valley. A scenic drive further up the valley produced more Greybreasted Seedsnipes (some even in flight display) and many more Greater Yellow Finches, among others. Very near our randomly picked lunch spot, we lucked into Creamy-rumped Miner, our final target for the day. Up to four birds showed up out of nowhere and one of them was ridiculously tame, literally almost pecking our shoes! 3rd Dec: Maipo Estuary & Cartagena Humedal. In the morning, we travelled to the Maipo river estuary on the Pacific coast. Moustached Turca by Dušan Brinkhuizen The first bird that we got to see as we arrived at the site was a marvellous Rufous-tailed Plantcutter! A small flock of Black-chinned Siskins was scoped before we walked into the reserve. Dusky Tapaculo was one of our principal targets here, and we got it in our bins much sooner than expected: a bird came in to tape almost instantly and




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provided us with superb point-blank views! The rare Ticking Doradito (a split of Warbling Doradito) was our next important target for the morning, as we continued to explore the extensive reed beds of the estuary. Fairly soon it was Janet that spotted the doradito in the top of the vegetation, and after repositioning ourselves we all got great looks at this poorly-known species. Other passerines that we enjoyed watching in the reeds included the fancy Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, Striped Woodpecker, Grassland Yellow Finch, Yellow-winged Blackbird and the smart Spectacled Tyrant! New waterfowl that we scoped included Red Shoveler and the fantastic Black-necked Swan. A walk along the beach produced a good number of peeps, gulls and terns, including Semipalmated Sandpiper and Snowy Plover at close range. Austral Negrito also showed nicely while foraging in the flotsam. After ordering delicious Chilean empanadas at Emma’s for lunch, we visited a small reserve called Humedal de Cartagena. The locals had transformed the rubbish dump into a small wetland park – a true hidden gem! The loop trail surrounding the wetland provided us with fantastic close-up views of various nesting birds with young, like Red-gartered Coot, Dusky Tapaculo by Dušan Brinkhuizen Brown-hooded Gull, Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans, Lake Duck, Red Shoveler, Cinnamon Teal and Chiloe Wigeon. Other birds that we got at Humedal de Cartagena included Chilean Swallow, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Chimango Caracara, White-tufted and Silvery Grebes (migratory subspecies occipitalis), White-backed Stilt, Whimbrel, our first Chilean Skua and a single bonus Snowy-crowned Tern! On our way to Viña del Mar, we stopped for a pair of Red-fronted Coots. Our seaside hotel at Viña was fantastic, with Inca Terns nesting right on the side of the building! Chilean Seaside Cinclodes along the rocky shore was a welcome addition for the people that had joined the main tour. 4th Dec: pelagic off Valparaiso. Today was different and very exciting: a pelagic boat trip to the rich oceanic waters of the Humboldt Current! Outside the harbour of Valparaiso, we watched a feeding spectacle of hundreds of Peruvian Pelicans, Kelp and Franklin’s Gulls, South American and Inca Terns and Guanay Cormorants. Peruvian Boobies were Northern Royal Albatross by Dušan Brinkhuizen flying by in small numbers, and we also picked up our first Peruvian Diving Petrels. Just as we reached the first flocks of Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters, we heard that something was wrong with the engine of the ship. The captain decided to turn back and switch boats. Our new vessel had a higher viewing deck with nice seats but it seemed slower than our previous one. It took a little while before we got back in deeper waters but suddenly a superb adult Buller’s Albatross circled the boat! The crew started with a little chumming and




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consequently the Buller’s showed itself beautifully at close range. Soon more birds flew in to the chum, with fantastic views of Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters, Peruvian Pelicans, Kelp Gulls and also a few magnificent Black-browed Albatrosses. When the feeding frenzy slowed down, we continued further west. It was fairly slow at times but the various (often distant) seabirds kept us busy as we were scanning for novelties. Wilson’s Storm Petrels were picked up in small numbers and we also got our first Northern Giant Petrel flying by. We started chumming at an upwelling site that was promising according to the captain. Again, birds started to appear almost instantly, and stunners such as Salvin’s and Blackbrowed Albatrosses, Southern Giant Petrel, Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters and White-chinned Petrel were watched right next to our boat. The prize-bird of the day was without a doubt a Northern Royal Albatross that suddenly showed up out of nowhere. A second adult royal showed up shortly after, and we watched two of these huge and impressive “ultralights” in flight for a prolonged time as they followed our ship back towards the harbour. Buller’s Albatross by Dušan Brinkhuizen 5th Dec: La Campana National Park & Batuco Lagoon. In the morning, we visited the scenic Palmas de Ocoa sector of La Campana National Park. The area was characterised by the tall and beautiful Chilean Wine Palm Jubaea chilensis endemic to the region. Dusky-tailed Canastero and White-throated Tapaculo were our principal targets for the morning, both endemic to Chile. The latter was easily heard from various directions in the reserve, but seeing the bird turned out to be more difficult. We first went to a known territory of the Dusky-tailed Canastero and fairly soon a pair showed up after we played their song. A Whitethroated Tapaculo was calling nearby but it took several attempts at different places before we got glimpses of this elusive bird. Eventually, persistence paid off and we even got a singing White-throated Tapaculo in the telescope! Other species that we got in the forest were Tufted TitTyrant, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Giant Hummingbird, Striped Woodpecker, Chilean Flicker, Chilean Elaenia, Common Duica Finch and White-throated Treerunner. The latter showed itself very nicely after imitation of a pygmy owl. Raptors that we saw here were a Black-chested BuzzardEagle and multiple Harris’s Hawk. In the afternoon, we visited the Batuco area closer to Santiago. Access to a small and hidden marsh was difficult, but eventually we found a way to get to the spot. Several species, such as Lake Duck, Red-fronted Coot, Black-crowned Night Heron, Cocoi Heron and White-backed Stilt, were seen here, but there was no sign of the scarce Black-headed Duck. Cinereous Harrier White-throated Treerunner by Dušan and White-faced Ibis were nice flybys that we added to our Brinkhuizen




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list. Later we walked to the edge of the large Batuco Lagoon, where we encountered an impressive concentration of water birds. After some careful scanning, we were able to pick out multiple pairs of the sought-after Black-headed Duck! 6th Dec: Vilches, Colbun Lake & Altos del Lircay. Today we had a long drive south of Santiago to the area of Colbun Lake. East of the reservoir, along the Maule River, there is a specific site for the rare Burrowing Parrot. The distinct race bloxami is endemic to Chile and this endangered population is restricted to a few sites only. After arrival at the site, we located three Burrowing Parrots perched on an electric post. They showed rather well, but the parrots became even more beautiful in flight. In the stiff wind the parrots circled around us for a prolonged time – it was an incredible sight having these rare and beautiful birds hanging in the wind right above our heads! On our way to Vilches, we put a lot of effort into finding Chilean Tinamou, but without Burrowing Parrot by Dušan Brinkhuizen success. Luckily, an obliging male Band-tailed Sierra Finch made up for the hard work. In the afternoon, we visited the pristine forest of Altos del Lircay. In the forest we encountered various tracks of Magellanic Woodpecker, but there was no sign of the bird itself. Our main target was the near-endemic Chestnut-throated Huet-huet. The bird at a known territory was clearly familiar to tape playback, as its response was minimal. We heard the bird calling only once after a long wait. About an hour later it was Fritz that saw the bird briefly crossing an open space in the forest. We knew that it was out there, but we also knew that playback was not going to work for this bird. In the meantime, I had searched for other territories further up the trail, and with success: I had heard another bird that was seemingly a little more responsive. We quickly hiked up the trail and tried, but it was probably already too late in the day. The hike did yield nice scope views of perched Austral Parakeet. Back at the lodge we did a night walk in search of Rufous-legged Owl. There were plenty of dogs responding to our tape, but the owl itself did not seem to be around. 7th Dec: Altos del Lircay. A couple of Chilean Pigeons that perched in the morning sun right next to our cabins was a great start to the day. After breakfast, we went back to the forest to target the elusive Chestnut-throated Huet-huet. At the archaeological site, there was no sign of the huet-huet but we did see an Austral Pygmy Chestnut-throated Huet-huet by Dušan Brinkhuizen Owl that was being mobbed by smaller birds. We continued up the forest trail and trawled with playback at promising-looking bamboo thickets. At a certain moment a huet-huet responded loudly and nearby. We went into the thicket and positioned




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ourselves tactically. With the use of a Bluetooth speaker, we carefully played the call with intervals. A large terrestrial bird sneaked by in the dense understorey and some of us got glimpses of it. It was the Chestnut-throated Huet-huet, no doubt. It took a few minutes more but suddenly the bird hopped up in a tree and that was the moment that everybody secured it in their bins – what a blast! The bird perched for about a minute in semi-open conditions before it disappeared again in the understorey. Mission accomplished! For the rest of the morning, we decided to search for the Magellanic Woodpecker in the forest. The trail took us through some spectacular pristine Nothofagus forest, but the birding itself was fairly slow. We found plenty of trees that had been worked by the woodpecker, some of them with fresh tracks, but the bird itself was nowhere to be found. A Magellanic Tapaculo was called in successfully, and we had brief but good looks at this understorey dweller. The rest of the day, we travelled back to Santiago with some birding stops en route in the hope of finding Chilean Tinamou. 8th Dec: Puerto Montt to Antillanca. Our day started with an early flight to Puerto Montt in the Lake District. A Dark-bellied Cinclodes was spotted by Roger as we came out of the airport terminal. Our first birding stop was a little south of town at a site known as Chinquihue. In the dense thickets along a dirt road, we played for the Des Murs's Wiretail and within seconds Magellanic Woodpecker by Dušan we got a vocal response. A pair came in but remained rather Brinkhuizen hidden at first. Eventually, everyone was able to get a good view at this little rufous bird with a unique long and thin tail. Photographing it was a major challenge, though! Ochre-flanked Tapaculo was another target that started to call from the same thicket. After a tactical setup with the Bluetooth speaker, we managed to get great views of this notorious understorey skulker. We also got our first decent looks at a Green-backed Firecrown perched atop the bamboo. During a longish drive to Antillanca, we scanned for Slender-billed Parakeets and three birds were briefly seen in flight. Apart from plenty Black-faced Ibis and Chimango Caracara, not much else was seen en route. The scenery, with the volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo and Puyehue around us, was magnificent. In the afternoon, we birded El Pionero trail in Puyehue National Park. Our main target was another tapaculo: the Black-throated Huet-huet. A bird responded to our tape further up the trail, but it seemingly lost its interest when we got there. We did hear plenty of Chucao Tapaculo around us, and we still needed to see that one as well. We targeted the most vocal Chucao and with success: after going off-trail we managed to get brief but great looks at this stunning tapaculo! A stop at a small lake named El Toro produced nesting Dark-bellied Cinclodes, an obliging Great Grebe and the beaver-like Coypu. Just before we reached our hotel, it was Rodrigo that heard something from the car window: Magellanic Woodpecker?! We got out of the Chucao Tapaculo by Dušan vehicle quickly and yes, right in front of us, a pair pecking on a Brinkhuizen




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tree trunk! An adult male Magellanic Woodpecker and two female plumaged birds were watched for a prolonged time in the telescope – a truly memorable sighting. After dusk, we went for another owling session but without success. 9th Dec: Antillanca, Puyehue National Park. Unexpectedly, one of the first birds that we got to see in the morning was a Black-throated Huet-huet! The bird popped up in a tree very close to our hotel and the views we got were just great. Bryan and Valerie missed it at first, but after carefully following the bird through the understorey it was seen well by everyone. Next we drove up to the first snow-covered crater to look for Yellow-bridled Finch. Within a minute after getting out of the vehicle the finch showed up and it nearly landed on top of our feet! We continued up to the second crater to look for a forest trail that we couldn’t find. A little snowball fight on the way up was fun. Yellow-bridled Finch by Dušan Brinkhuizen Apart from a couple of beautiful Patagonian Sierra Finches, not much else was seen at this elevation, so we decided to head back down. The habitat was fantastic and extensive, but it was difficult to find many birds. A pair (presumably the same) of Magellanic Woodpeckers was seen again along the road, but not as good as the day before. Other species that we got included Fire-eyed Duicon, Chilean Flicker, Variable Hawk and our first Southern Crested Caracara for the trip. We carefully drove down the valley to search for missing targets, such as Patagonian Tyrant, but without success. We also tried to find perched Slender-billed Parakeets in more open and edge habitat, but only a couple were heard in the distance. Further down the highway, we successfully targeted a family of Torrent Duck that were resting on a rock in the middle of a mountain river. In the evening, we did another owling session and decided to drive to slightly lower elevations at forest patches that looked promising during the day. After a couple of tryouts, we suddenly got a loud response of a Rufous-legged Owl! We had to walk a few hundred meters to keep up with the bird, but eventually we managed to find it in the spotlight. We watched it call from a tree top for several minutes before it flew right overhead, perching right above us – persistence paid off and stunning views is what we got! 10th Dec: Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas. We left Antillanca early as we had a flight to catch in Puerto Montt. En route we carefully scanned for Slender-billed Ruddy-headed Goose by Dušan Brinkhuizen Parakeets and a few kilometres south of Entre Lagos village it was Dušan that heard some parakeets from the driver’s car window. We quickly jumped out of the vehicle and very soon two adult Slender-billed Parakeets were located in the trees along the highway. The scope views that we got of this Chilean endemic were excellent! The party wasn’t over yet as a few minutes later it was Bryan that called out “tinamou”, stop the bus! We backed-




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up with the bus and unbelievable but true two Chilean Tinamous were foraging in the open right next to the highway! We watched the birds for several minutes in full view before they disappeared in the forest: another endemic in the bag! In the afternoon, we arrived in Punta Arenas and birding continued as soon as we left the airport. Our first stop was at Humedal Tres Puentes, a small wetland at the edge of town. A pair of Flying Steamer Ducks showed well, as did a White-tufted Grebe with chick. A little later, some people got to see how a Kelp Gull got to snatch the grebe’s chick! Other novelties that we saw at the wetland included Whiterumped Sandpiper, White-winged Coot, Magellanic Oystercatcher and a Correndera Pipit in flight display. The San Juan River delta was our program for the rest of the afternoon. The area is known for being the stronghold for the mainland population of the rare Ruddy-headed Goose. On our way, we watched a Sei Whale, a scarce visitor to the Strait of Magellan. It was identified by a local whale expert based on our photographs afterwards. Closer to the Rio San Juan, we got our first pair of Ruddy-headed Goose that were posing along the beach. Along the shoreline, we also got both Rock and Imperial Cormorants. A small flock of roadside Ruddyheaded Geese had a single Ashy-headed Goose mixed-in with them. At the end of the road, we went inside the Nothofagus forest to search for Patagonian Tyrant but without success. At this point the Strait of Magellan was filled with Black-browed Albatrosses shearing in the wind. On our way back to Punta Arenas, we stopped for an obliging pair of the bulky Flightless Slender-billed Parakeet by Dušan or Fuegian Steamer Duck. Brinkhuizen 11th Dec: Punta Arenas to Porvenir. Today we travelled over the vast plains of Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego Island. Our first stop was at Laguna Los Palos, a saline lake north of Punta Arenas and a current breeding site for the unique, rare and local Magellanic Plover. It was windy when we arrived and we had to walk a couple of kilometres to get to the right rocky shoreline habitat for the plover. An adult female Andean Condor was picked up on the way and flew spectacularly low down over our heads. It was Fritz that found the Magellanic Plover, and after securing some fairly distant scope views we carefully approached the bird. The adult was colourbanded and on our photographs we detected a red flag with the inscription 181 on the left tibia. This peculiar shorebird was long placed in the family Charadriidae (Plovers) but has now been placed in its own monotypic family, the Pluvianellidae. It is apparently closer related to the sheathbills than to the true plovers, with molecular data confirming Lesser Rhea by Dušan Brinkhuizen that it is very unique. On our way back, Fritz spotted another adult, a bird without colour bands, presumably the partner of the first one that we had seen. After helping some stranded backpackers that had missed their international bus connection, we




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continued on our way over the Patagonian steppe towards the Pale Aike National Park. Lesser (Darwin’s) Rheas became a common sight during the drive, as well as herds of Guanacos. A close-up male Darwin’s Rhea with chicks that hunkered down was quite a sight. At a specific spot with sparse scrub, we searched for the localised Band-tailed Earthcreeper. Fairly soon, we found an adult that was feeding nestlings in one of the bushes. Unfortunately, the rain started as we continued and it made the birding more challenging. Luckily, target waders were located fairly easy, with close views of both Rufous-chested and Two-banded Plovers, Tawny-throated Dotterel and Least Seedsnipe. Chocolatevented Tyrant was a superb find and some also got to see the smaller Cinnamon-bellied Ground Tyrant at our lunch spot. We scanned the entire route for White-bridled Finches but only got plenty of the common and widespread Rufous-collared Sparrows. At a patch with taller bushes, we got out in the rain to look for Austral Canastero. Eventually we got pretty wet, but we also got great views of the bird! A marsh just before arriving at Punta Delgada had several goodies, including Silver Teal and Hudsonian Godwit. The short ferry crossing to Tierra del Fuego produced a nice raft of Humboldt Penguins and a couple of neat Commerson's Dolphins that rode the Rufous-chested Plover by Dušan Brinkhuizen bows briefly. 12th Dec: Parque Pinguino Rey to Punta Arenas. On our last day of the trip, we had an appointment with a very special bird: King Penguin. In recent years a small colony of these amazing creatures has settled on the shore of Useless Bay a little over an hour’s drive from Porvenir. On our way, we made a quick stop at Santa Maria Lake to scan for grebes. A year ago, a longstaying Hooded Grebe was observed here but we only found a small flock of Silvery Grebes. A Patagonian Grey Fox was watched on the side of the road as it was trying to predate the nest of a Short-billed Miner. The miner, a Tierra del Fuego speciality, showed itself well but the bird was clearly upset and Rodrigo went out of the bus to chase the fox away. At a small ravine, we searched for Magellanic Horned Owl and Patagonian Yellow Finch but without success. We did enjoy watching the small colony of Black-faced Ibis nesting in cavities in the cliffs. Parque Pinguino Rey was still closed when we arrived, but the workers let us in earlier because we had to catch a ferry in Porvenir. A small trail brought us to a blind from where we watched over a hundred King Penguins at close range. Most of them were adults but there were also some brown fluffy chicks and some moulting juveniles that were turning into more adult plumage. We enjoyed observing the amazing King Penguin rookery for about half an hour before we started our drive back to Porvenir. In the harbor, we connected nicely with the fancy Dolphin Gull. A few King Penguin by Bryan J Smith




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Peale's Dolphins were seen just as we left the harbour. It was very windy during the two-hour crossing to Punta Arenas, which made the pelagic birding a bit challenging. Magellanic Diving Petrel was the final new bird of the trip! ___________________________________________________________________________________

Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded.

Birds (274 in total: 273 seen, 1 heard) Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2017. IOC World Bird List (v 7.3). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Rheas Rheidae Rhea pennata Lesser Rhea (2) 17 Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11 and Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 30.11. Subspecies tarapacensis is also known as Puna Rhea. This race is still considered a subspecies by IOC but it certainly has the potential of getting full species status in the future. Some authorities already consider it a separate species based on its isolated range and morphological differences with Darwin's Rhea. We saw 17 birds on our way to Surire and a singleton near Las Cuevas. pennata: (1) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. The nominate subspecies is also known as Darwin's Rhea. This race is still considered a subspecies by IOC but it certainly has the potential of getting full species status in the future. Some authorities already consider it a separate species based on its isolated range and morphological differences with Puna Rhea. Good numbers were seen during our drive to Tierra del Fuego island, including a few males with chicks. Tinamous Tinamidae Nothoprocta ornata ornata Ornate Tinamou (2) 2 Putre 28.11 and Putre 30.11. A pair was watched for a prolonged time from the vehicle just outside Putre town. Two birds were also briefly observed higher up near the military barracks. Chilean Tinamou (1) 1 heard Farellones 1.12.

Nothoprocta perdicaria

sanborni: (1) 2 Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12. An unexpected but fantastic roadside encounter with a pair on our way to Puerto Montt! Endemic to Chile. Puna Tinamou (1) 1 heard Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11. Unfortunately, this species remained heard-only.


Tinamotis pentlandii



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Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae Coscoroba coscoroba Coscoroba Swan (4) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, 3 Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Punta Delgada 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. This goose-like swan was seen at several sites with close encounters of a family at Humedal de Cartagena. Cygnus melancoryphus Black-necked Swan (4) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12 and Laguna los Palos 11.12. This beautiful and distinct swan was observed at several sites. At Humedal de Cartagena we watched a few adults with recently hatched chicks at close range. Tachyeres patachonicus Flying Steamer Duck (3) Strait of Magellan 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. This species was observed at various sites in southern Patagonia. Tachyeres pteneres Fuegian Steamer Duck (1) 6 Strait of Magellan 10.12. Also named Flightless Steamer Duck. Three pairs were seen along the Strait of Magellan south of Punta Arenas. Merganetta armata armata Torrent Duck (2) Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. A family group was scoped nicely at a fast-flowing river in Puyehue NP. Chloephaga melanoptera Andean Goose (3) Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 30.11 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. Commonly observed in the altiplano of northern Chile but a few were also seen at El Yeso in central Chile. Chloephaga picta picta Upland Goose (4) El Yeso Valley 2.12, Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. The most abundant goose of southern Patagonia. Chloephaga poliocephala Ashy-headed Goose (1) Rio San Juan Delta 10.12. A single adult was observed together with Ruddy-headed Goose. Chloephaga rubidiceps Ruddy-headed Goose (1) 15 Rio San Juan Delta 10.12. Small family groups were observed south of Punta Arenas. This species is rare and endangered on mainland South America. Lophonetta specularioides Crested Duck (2) Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. specularioides: (3) Strait of Magellan 10.12, Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, en route 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Rockjumper Birding Tours



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A fairly common and widespread species in Chile. Speculanas specularis Bronze-winged Duck (NT) (1) Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12. A pair was scoped nicely at the Rio Maule east of Colbun reservior (Burrowing Parrot site). Spatula puna Puna Teal (1) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. Good numbers were present at the lake shore of Lago Chungará. Spatula versicolor fretensis Silver Teal (1) 4 Punta Delgada 11.12. Up to four birds were scoped at a marsh near Punta Delgada. Spatula platalea Red Shoveler (3) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12 and 2 Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12. Small numbers were observed at various fresh water sites. Spatula cyanoptera orinoma Cinnamon Teal (4) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12 and Laguna de Batuco 5.12. Fairly common in northern and central Chile. Spatula discors Blue-winged Teal (2) 1 ♂ Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and 1 ♂ Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. A drake was observed and photographed at Humedal Rio Lluta. A vagrant to Chile. Mareca sibilatrix Chiloe Wigeon (5) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12 and Punta Delgada 11.12. Fairly widespread in central and southern Chile. Adults with ducklings were observed at Humedal de Cartagena. Anas georgica spinicauda Yellow-billed Pintail (7) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. A common and widespread species in Chile. Anas flavirostris oxyptera Yellow-billed Teal (10) 2 Caleta Camarones 27.11, Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11, 2 El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12 and Punta Delgada 11.12. Subspecies oxyptera (paler underparts) was observed in the northern altiplano. A common and widespread species in Chile. Heteronetta atricapilla Black-headed Duck (1) 4 Laguna de Batuco 5.12. A scarce and secretive species. At least four birds were picked out a large flock of waterfowl. Andean Duck (1) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. Good numbers were present at Lago Chungará.


Oxyura ferruginea



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Oxyura vittata Lake Duck (2) 20 Humedal de Cartagena 3.12 and Laguna de Batuco 5.12. We had close encounters with this species at Humedal de Cartagena. New World Quail Odontophoridae Callipepla californica California Quail (5) Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12 and Altos del Lircay 7.12. Introduced to Chile in 1870. Small numbers were observed at various sites. Penguins Spheniscidae Aptenodytes patagonicus King Penguin (1) 109 Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12. Adults and juveniles were watched at close range at the well-known rookery of Useless Bay. Spheniscus magellanicus Magellanic Penguin (NT) (2) Punta Delgada 11.12 and Strait of Magellan 12.12. This species was observed during both Tierra del Fuego ferry crossings. Spheniscus humboldti Humboldt Penguin (VU) (1) 3 Caleta Camarones 27.11. Three adults were scoped along the rocky coast of Caleta Camarones. Austral Storm Petrels Oceanitidae Oceanites oceanicus chilensis Wilson's Storm Petrel (2) 2 Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12 and Strait of Magellan 12.12. Several were seen during the pelagic and during the ferry crossing to Punta Arenas. Albatrosses Diomedeidae Diomedea sanfordi Northern Royal Albatross (EN) (1) 2 Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Two adults of this large species were seen during the pelagic off Valparaíso. Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross (NT) (3) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, 88 Strait of Magellan 10.12 and Strait of Magellan 12.12. The most commonly seen albatross of the trip. Thalassarche salvini Salvin's Albatross (VU) (1) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Small numbers were seen during the pelagic off Valparaíso. Thalassarche bulleri bulleri Buller's Albatross (NT) (1) 2 Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Two adults were observed during the pelagic off Valparaíso. Shearwaters and Petrels Procellariidae Southern Giant Petrel


Macronectes giganteus



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(4) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Strait of Magellan 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12 and Strait of Magellan 12.12. This pelagic species was observed at various sites and more commonly seen than Northern Giant Petrel. Macronectes halli Northern Giant Petrel (1) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. A few were seen during the pelagic off Valparaíso. Procellaria aequinoctialis White-chinned Petrel (VU) (1) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. One or two were briefly observed during the pelagic off Valparaíso. Ardenna grisea Sooty Shearwater (NT) (1) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Large flocks were observed near shore during our pelagic off Valparaíso. Ardenna creatopus Pink-footed Shearwater (VU) (1) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Good numbers were observed during the pelagic off Valparaíso. Pelecanoides garnotii Peruvian Diving Petrel (EN) (1) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Small numbers were picked up near the coast during our pelagic off Valparaíso. Pelecanoides magellani Magellanic Diving Petrel (1) Strait of Magellan 12.12. Several were observed during our ferry crossing back to Punta Arenas. Grebes Podicipedidae Podilymbus podiceps antarcticus Pied-billed Grebe (2) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12. Pied-billed Grebes were seen at two sites. Rollandia rolland chilensis White-tufted Grebe (5) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12 and Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12. A widespread species in Chile. Adults with chicks were observed at Humedal Tres Puentes. Podiceps major major Great Grebe (4) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Rio Aconcagua estuary 5.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12. Our most memorable sighting of this species was the single adult at El Toro lake in Puyehue NP. Silvery Grebe (1) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11.

Podiceps occipitalis

occipitalis: (2) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Two distinct races were seen. Subspecies juninensis in the northern altiplano and occipitalis at other sites. Possibly a future split. Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Chilean Flamingo (NT)


Phoenicopterus chilensis



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(4) Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Fairly widespread in Chile. Phoenicoparrus andinus Andean Flamingo (VU) (2) Surire Salt Lake 29.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. Seen well at two sites in the northern altiplano. Phoenicoparrus jamesi James's Flamingo (NT) (1) Surire Salt Lake 29.11. Also named Puna Flamingo. The rarest of the three flamingo species we saw during the trip. Good numbers were present at Surire. Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Theristicus melanopis Black-faced Ibis (6) 2 Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, en route 8.12, Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, en route 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Common and widespread in southern Chile. We watched several adults at their nests at Tierra del Fuego. Theristicus branickii Andean Ibis (NT) (1) 4 Lluta Valley 28.11. Four birds were observed in the Lluta Valley near Molinos far out of their normal elevational range. White-faced Ibis (1) 4 Laguna de Batuco 5.12. A flock of four birds flew by at the lake.

Plegadis chihi

Plegadis ridgwayi Puna Ibis (3) 2 Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, 2 Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. A fairly common and widespread species in the north. Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Nycticorax nycticorax obscurus Black-crowned Night Heron (7) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12 and Porvenir 12.12. Seen at various sites during the tour. Some individuals were remarkably dark plumaged. Bubulcus ibis Western Cattle Egret (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Laguna de Batuco 5.12. Seen at a few sites only. Ardea cocoi Cocoi Heron (3) Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12 and en route 8.12. A few were recorded during the tour. Ardea alba egretta Great Egret (6) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12 and en route 8.12. Common and widespread in northern and central Chile. Little Blue Heron Rockjumper Birding Tours

Egretta caerulea View more tours to Chile


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(2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. Only observed in the north including white juveniles. Egretta thula thula Snowy Egret (5) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12 and Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12. Fairly common and widespread in northern and central Chile. Pelicans Pelecanidae Pelecanus thagus Peruvian Pelican (NT) (7) Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 3.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12 and 2 Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12. A common pelican along the Pacific coast of Chile. Boobies and Gannets Sulidae Sula variegata Peruvian Booby (5) Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12 and Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12. Good numbers were seen along the Pacific coast and during our pelagic. Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax gaimardi Red-legged Cormorant (NT) (5) Arica 26.11, 5 Caleta Camarones 27.11, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12 and Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12. Small numbers were seen along the Pacific coast and during our pelagic. Phalacrocorax brasilianus brasilianus Neotropic Cormorant (9) Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 3.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12 and Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12. Common and widespread in northern and central Chile. Phalacrocorax magellanicus Rock Shag (3) Strait of Magellan 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, Strait of Magellan 12.12 and Porvenir 12.12. Seen at several sites in southern Patagonia but often outnumbered by Imperial Shag. Leucocarbo bougainvillii Guanay Cormorant (1) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. A massive flock was seen just outside the harbour of Valparaíso. Imperial Shag (1) Strait of Magellan 12.12.

Leucocarbo atriceps

Leucocarbo atriceps atriceps Imperial Shag (3) Strait of Magellan 10.12, en route 11.12 and Porvenir 12.12. The most common cormorant that we saw in southern Patagonia. Both "Blue-eyed/Imperial" and "King" forms were observed. The "Blue-eyed/Imperial" race atriceps seemed less numerous than the "King" race albiventer. Sympatry of the two forms in southern South America needs study to resolve status as Rockjumper Birding Tours



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species or colour morph: best to lump as do HBW, SACC and IOC. New World Vultures Cathartidae Cathartes aura falklandicus Turkey Vulture (11) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Arica 27.11, Chaca Valley 27.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Lluta Valley 28.11, Lluta Valley 30.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Rio Aconcagua estuary 5.12, en route 6.12, en route 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12 and en route 10.12. A common and widespread species, especially in the north. Coragyps atratus Black Vulture (4) Vilches area 6.12, Vilches area 7.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. Black Vulture was only observed at a few sites. Vultur gryphus Andean Condor (NT) (3) Farellones 1.12, 5 El Yeso Valley 2.12 and Laguna los Palos 11.12. Fantastic encounters with this massive bird at three sites. Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Circus cinereus Cinereous Harrier (2) Laguna de Batuco 5.12 and Punta Delgada 11.12. Seen at two sites including a nice adult male. Parabuteo unicinctus unicinctus Harris's Hawk (3) 2 Arica 27.11, 2 Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12 and en route 8.12. Observed at various sites in northern and central Chile. Geranoaetus polyosoma polyosoma Variable Hawk (6) Lluta Valley 28.11, Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Farellones 1.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Vilches area 7.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. Small numbers of both adults and immatures were seen during the tour. Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (2) El Yeso Valley 2.12 and 2 Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. This distinct raptor was seen well at two sites. Buteo albigula White-throated Hawk (1) Putre 30.11. A single adult on southward migration was photographed at Putre. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Gallinula galeata pauxilla Common Gallinule (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. Only seen at freshwater marshes in the north were it was common. Fulica leucoptera White-winged Coot (2) 3 Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12 and Punta Delgada 11.12. Small numbers were observed in southern Patagonia. Andean Coot Rockjumper Birding Tours

Fulica ardesiaca ardesiaca View more tours to Chile


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(2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. A common coot of the northern altiplano. Fulica armillata Red-gartered Coot (3) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12 and Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12. This species was common, especially at Humedal de Cartagena, where we enjoyed watching them at close range. Fulica rufifrons Red-fronted Coot (2) 2 Humedal de Cartagena 3.12 and Laguna de Batuco 5.12. This gallinule-like coot was observed at two sites. Fulica gigantea Giant Coot (1) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. Observed nicely at their nests in the northern altiplano. Thick-knees Burhinidae Peruvian Thick-knee (2) 2 Arica 27.11 and 2 Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. Adults were scoped at two sites in the Arica area.

Burhinus superciliaris

Magellanic Plover Pluvianellidae Pluvianellus socialis Magellanic Plover (NT) (1) 2 Laguna los Palos 11.12. A pair was observed at their breeding site north of Punta Arenas. One adult was colour banded: left tibia with red flag (inscription 181) and yellow band on tarsus, right tarsus with aluminium band. Oystercatchers Haematopodidae Haematopus leucopodus Magellanic Oystercatcher (3) Strait of Magellan 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12 and Porvenir 12.12. A commonly observed oystercatcher in southern Patagonia. Haematopus ater Blackish Oystercatcher (3) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11 and Strait of Magellan 10.12. Common along the northern coast but also observed in southern Patagonia. Haematopus palliatus palliatus American Oystercatcher (4) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Fairly common along the Pacific coast of northern and central Chile. Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Himantopus melanurus White-backed Stilt (2) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and Laguna de Batuco 5.12. Seen at three sites in central Chile with large numbers at Laguna de Batuco. Recurvirostra andina Andean Avocet (2) 4 Surire Salt Lake 29.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. Rockjumper Birding Tours



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This species was only observed in the northern altiplano. Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Vanellus chilensis Southern Lapwing (3) Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, en route 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. chilensis: (10) Santiago 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Vilches area 6.12, en route 7.12, en route 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12. A very common and widespread species in central and southern Chile. Vanellus resplendens Andean Lapwing (1) Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. A single adult was observed at a bog near Parinacota. Pluvialis dominica American Golden Plover (1) Caleta Camarones 27.11. A bird in winter-plumage was photographed along the beach at Caleta Camarones. Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae Grey Plover (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Small numbers were seen along the Pacific coast. Charadrius semipalmatus Semipalmated Plover (3) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Small numbers were observed along the Pacific coast. Killdeer (1) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11. Only seen at Humedal Rio Lluta.

Charadrius vociferus peruvianus

Charadrius nivosus occidentalis Snowy Plover (NT) (1) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. A single bird was observed together with other peeps at the Maipo estuary. Charadrius collaris Collared Plover (1) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11. Adults were nicely observed at Humedal Rio Lluta. Charadrius falklandicus Two-banded Plover (2) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12 and Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12. Observed at various locations in southern Patagonia. Charadrius modestus Rufous-chested Plover (1) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. Quite a few were seen during our drive to Tierra del Fuego. Oreopholus ruficollis ruficollis Tawny-throated Dotterel (2) 3 Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11 and Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. Birds of the northern population were seen on our way to Surire in the northern altiplano (where scarce). We also saw small numbers in southern Patagonia.




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Phegornis mitchellii Diademed Sandpiper-Plover (NT) (2) 2 Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and 4 El Yeso Valley 2.12. Seen very well at two sites. At El Yeso we watched a colour banded pair with two chicks. Seedsnipes Thinocoridae Thinocorus orbignyianus Grey-breasted Seedsnipe (1) Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11 and 4 Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11. orbignyianus: (1) El Yeso Valley 2.12. This wader was observed at various sites in northern and central Chile. It was fairly common at El Yeso Valley. Thinocorus rumicivorus rumicivorus Least Seedsnipe (1) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. Observed well during our drive to Tierra del Fuego. Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Numenius phaeopus rufiventris Whimbrel (7) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Rio Aconcagua estuary 5.12 and Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12. A common and widespread migrant wader in Chile. Limosa haemastica Hudsonian Godwit (3) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and 6 Punta Delgada 11.12. This boreal migrant was observed at two sites (far north and far south). Arenaria interpres morinella Ruddy Turnstone (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Fairly common along the Pacific coast. Calidris virgata Surfbird (1) Arica 26.11. Small numbers were observed at a single site in Arica. Calidris himantopus Stilt Sandpiper (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. A single bird was observed and photographed at Humedal Rio Lluta. Apparently a vagrant to Chile. Calidris alba rubida Sanderling (3) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Our largest flock of Sanderling was at the Rio Maipo estuary. Calidris bairdii Baird's Sandpiper (4) Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Laguna los Palos 11.12. A common and widespread boreal migrant to Chile. Calidris minutilla Least Sandpiper (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. A few were seen with other peeps at Humedal Rio Lluta.




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Calidris fuscicollis White-rumped Sandpiper (1) 20 Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12. A small flock was present at Humedal Tres Puentes just outside Punta Arenas town. Calidris pusilla Semipalmated Sandpiper (NT) (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. A couple were seen on the beach of the Rio Maipo estuary. Gallinago paraguaiae magellanica South American Snipe (3) El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and Punta Delgada 11.12. South American Snipes were observed at three sites during the tour. Phalaropus tricolor Wilson's Phalarope (2) 2 Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and 4 Laguna los Palos 11.12. Small numbers of this boreal migrant were recorded, all in winter-plumage. Phalaropus fulicarius Red Phalarope (1) 2 Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Two birds in winter-plumage were observed at sea during the pelagic. Actitis macularius Spotted Sandpiper (2) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. This boreal migrant was observed at a single site only. Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs (2) 2 Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. Small numbers among the more numerous Greater Yellowlegs were present at Humedal Rio Lluta. Willet (2) Arica 26.11 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Seen at two coastal sites.

Tringa semipalmata inornata

Tringa melanoleuca Greater Yellowlegs (5) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Laguna de Batuco 5.12 and Punta Delgada 11.12. A fairly common and widespread boreal migrant. Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Rynchops niger cinerascens Black Skimmer (4) 2 Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, 4 Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and Rio Aconcagua estuary 5.12. Birds were seen at three sites along the Pacific coast. Chroicocephalus serranus Andean Gull (2) Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. A common gull of the northern altiplano. Chroicocephalus maculipennis Brown-hooded Gull (5) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12 and Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. A common gull of central and southern Chile. Dolphin Gull


Leucophaeus scoresbii



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(1) Punta Arenas 12.12 and Porvenir 12.12. Good numbers were observed along the shores of the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia. Leucophaeus pipixcan Franklin's Gull (7) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12 and Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12. A common boreal migrant to Chile, especially in the north. Leucophaeus modestus Grey Gull (5) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12 and Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12. Common along the Pacific coast. Breeds in the Atacama desert. Larus belcheri Belcher's Gull (3) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. Sometimes named Band-tailed Gull. Common along the Pacific coast but only seen in the north. Larus dominicanus dominicanus Kelp Gull (11) Arica 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Santiago 2.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 3.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12, en route 6.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Strait of Magellan 10.12, Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12, Tierra del Fuego 12.12, Punta Arenas 12.12 and Porvenir 12.12. The most common and widespread gull of Chile. Thalasseus elegans Elegant Tern (NT) (4) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Arica 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12 and Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12. Large flocks of this boreal migrant were observed along the Pacific coast, especially in the north. Sterna hirundinacea South American Tern (4) Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Strait of Magellan 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12 and Strait of Magellan 12.12. A common breeding tern in Chile. Sterna hirundo hirundo Common Tern (2) 3 Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Small numbers were present in flocks of Elegant Tern. Sterna trudeaui Snowy-crowned Tern (1) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12. A single bird showed well at Humedal de Cartagena. Larosterna inca Inca Tern (NT) (3) Observed Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 3-5.12 and Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Nesting at our seaside hotel in Viña del Mar. Birds were observed at very close range. Skuas and Jaegers Stercorariidae Stercorarius chilensis Chilean Skua (5) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Strait of Magellan 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, en route 11.12, Strait of Magellan 12.12 and Porvenir 12.12.




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Fairly common and widespread in coastal Chile, especially in the Strait of Magellan. Stercorarius parasiticus Parasitic Jaeger (1) 2 Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12. Two birds were observed and photographed just outside the harbour of Valparaíso. Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Columba livia var. domestica Rock Dove (12) Observed Arica 26-28.11, Santiago 2.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12, Santiago 6.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Parinacota, Lauca NP 10.12, en route 11.12 and Porvenir 12.12. An introduced feral species that was commonly seen in towns. Patagioenas maculosa albipennis Spot-winged Pigeon (3) Observed Putre 28-30.11 and Socoroma 30.11. Common in the Putre region where the species established fairly recently. Patagioenas araucana Chilean Pigeon (5) Altos del Lircay 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, en route 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12. Seen well at various sites in the central region. Columbina picui picui Picui Ground Dove (4) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, en route 6.12 and en route 7.12. Small numbers of this species were recorded in the central region. Columbina cruziana Croaking Ground Dove (2) Chaca Valley 27.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. This species was fairly commonly observed in the northern coastal region. Bare-faced Ground Dove (2) Putre 28.11, Socoroma 30.11 and Putre 30.11. Small flocks were common in and around Putre.

Metriopelia ceciliae zimmeri

Metriopelia melanoptera melanoptera Black-winged Ground Dove (4) Putre 28.11, Putre 30.11, Farellones 1.12 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. Common in and around Putre but also seen in the central region. Zenaida auriculata auriculata Eared Dove (8) Santiago 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Farellones 1.12, Santiago 2.12, Santiago 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Vilches area 7.12 and en route 8.12. Fairly common and widespread. Zenaida meloda West Peruvian Dove (4) Observed Arica 26-28.11, Chaca Valley 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Lluta Valley 30.11. Sometimes named Pacific Dove. Common in the northern coastal region. Cuckoos Cuculidae Crotophaga sulcirostris Groove-billed Ani (2) Lluta Valley 28.11 and Lluta Valley 30.11. This species was only observed in the agricultural valleys of the northern coast.




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Owls Strigidae Strix rufipes rufipes Rufous-legged Owl (1) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. A calling bird was watched in the spotlight after dusk. Two more were heard. Austral Pygmy Owl (2) Farellones 1.12 and Altos del Lircay 7.12. We had nice views of this species at two sites.

Glaucidium nana

Athene cunicularia nanodes Burrowing Owl (2) 2 Arica 26.11 and 2 Lluta Valley 30.11. Our very first bird of the trip as we got out of the Arica airport. Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Systellura longirostris bifasciata Band-winged Nightjar (1) Putre 28.11. An adult was watched in the spotlight at close range. Swifts Apodidae Aeronautes andecolus parvulus Andean Swift (1) Lluta Valley 28.11. Seen at various sites in the Lluta Valley and nesting near Molinos. Hummingbirds Trochilidae Oreotrochilus estella estella Andean Hillstar (3) Observed Putre 28-30.11 and Socoroma 30.11. Both males and females were seen well in Putre where it was fairly common. Oreotrochilus leucopleurus White-sided Hillstar (2) Farellones 1.12 and 2 El Yeso Valley 2.12. A stunning male was watched at Farellones and a few birds where also briefly observed at El Yeso Valley. Giant Hummingbird (2) Putre 28.11 and Socoroma 30.11.

Patagona gigas

gigas: (1) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. This large hummingbird was seen well in the north but also briefly at La Campana NP. Sephanoides sephaniodes Green-backed Firecrown (2) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12. A common hummer in the lake district where observed daily. Rhodopis vesper atacamensis Oasis Hummingbird (1) Chaca Valley 27.11. A few were very nicely seen at flowers while searching for the woodstar. Eulidia yarrellii Chilean Woodstar (EN) (1) 5 Chaca Valley 27.11. Among the rarest species that we observed during the tour. This tiny hummingbird is considered Rockjumper Birding Tours



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endemic to the country (old sightings known from extreme south Peru but no recent records). Its distribution is now largely restricted to two narrow oasis valleys in the far north of the country (near Arica). Historically, Chilean Woodstar was fairly common in the Arica area but based on evidence that the species underwent an extremely rapid population decline it is currently classified as Critically Endangered by Birdlife. Loss of habitat and use of pesticides are thought to be the principal causes for its rapid decline but competition and displacement by the equally-sized Peruvian Sheartail might also be a factor involved. Identification of Chilean Woodstar can be tricky because the females look extremely similar to Peruvian Sheartail. However, vocalisations between the two species differ distinctly and the woodstar shows diagnostic rufous bases to the tail feathers. Kingfishers Alcedinidae Megaceryle torquata stellata Ringed Kingfisher (1) en route 8.12. A single bird was seen en route in the Lake District. Woodpeckers Picidae Veniliornis lignarius Striped Woodpecker (3) 2 Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12 and Altos del Lircay 6.12. Birds were seen at various sites. Nesting at La Campana NP. Colaptes pitius Chilean Flicker (4) Farellones 1.12, 3 Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, en route 6.12 and 1 heard Altos del Lircay 7.12. Fairly widespread in Chile and recorded at various sites. Colaptes rupicola rupicola Andean Flicker (1) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. A communal nest site was visited near the town of Parinacota. Campephilus magellanicus Magellanic Woodpecker (2) 3 Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12 and 2 Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. Three birds were watched for a prolonged time near Hotel Antillanca. Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Phalcoboenus megalopterus Mountain Caracara (2) 2 Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 30.11 and Farellones 1.12. Adults were observed at two sites. Caracara plancus Southern Crested Caracara (4) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Birds were fairly commonly observed from Lake District further south. Milvago chimango temucoensis Chimango Caracara (11) Santiago 1.12, Santiago 2.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Rio Aconcagua estuary 5.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Strait of Magellan 10.12, Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12.




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Common and widespread in central and southern Chile. Falco sparverius peruvianus American Kestrel (10) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Chaca Valley 27.11, Lluta Valley 28.11, Lluta Valley 30.11, El Yeso Valley 2.12, en route 3.12, observed en route 5-7.12 and en route 10.12. Seen at various sites, often en route in more open areas. Falco femoralis pichinchae Aplomado Falcon (2) 3 Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11 and Putre 30.11. Our best views were of an adult perched atop a fence post a few meters away from the vehicle near Putre. Falco peregrinus cassini Peregrine Falcon (6) Caleta Camarones 27.11, Arica 27.11, Putre 28.11, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12 and en route 10.12. Birds were observed at various sites. African & New World Parrots Psittacidae Austral Parakeet (1) Altos del Lircay 6.12. Scoped in the forest at Altos del Lircay.

Enicognathus ferrugineus minor

Enicognathus leptorhynchus Slender-billed Parakeet (3) 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, en route 8.12 and 7 Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12. Finally we got fantastic scope views of two birds on our way back to Puerto Montt. Endemic to Chile. Cyanoliseus patagonus bloxami Burrowing Parrot (1) 12 Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12. We got great views of birds gliding in the wind. This distinct race is endemic to Chile and endangered. Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers Furnariidae Geositta cunicularia cunicularia Common Miner (1) Laguna los Palos 11.12. The nominate race was observed on the Patagonian steppe. Geositta punensis Puna Miner (2) Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. Several birds were observed in the northern altiplano. Geositta antarctica Short-billed Miner (2) 2 Punta Delgada 11.12, Tierra del Fuego 12.12 and 2 Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12. A Tierra del Fuego speciality that was observed well at various sites. Rufous-banded Miner (2) Farellones 1.12 and 2 El Yeso Valley 2.12. Seen well at two sites in the central region.

Geositta rufipennis fasciata

Geositta isabellina Creamy-rumped Miner (1) 5 El Yeso Valley 2.12. After searching for this localised target we were treated with close up views of remarkable tame individuals.




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Ochetorhynchus ruficaudus ruficaudus Straight-billed Earthcreeper (1) Quebrada de Cardones 28.11. A bird was nicely observed at a small arid canyon on our way to Putre. Ochetorhynchus phoenicurus Band-tailed Earthcreeper (1) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. An adult that was feeding nestlings was observed at a stakeout in the Patagonian steppe. Ochetorhynchus melanurus melanurus Crag Chilia (1) 2 El Yeso Valley 2.12. A pair at their nest showed well in the lower section of the valley. Endemic to Chile. Upucerthia validirostris jelskii Buff-breasted Earthcreeper (1) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. An adult was watched at a small bog next to the parking lot. White-throated Earthcreeper (2) Putre 28.11 and Socoroma 30.11. We had good views of this species in both towns.

Upucerthia albigula

Scale-throated Earthcreeper (2) Farellones 1.12 and El Yeso Valley 2.12.

Upucerthia dumetaria

dumetaria: (1) Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Multiple birds were showing very well perching on the bolders at Farellones. Cinclodes fuscus Buff-winged Cinclodes (3) El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Laguna los Palos 11.12. A split of the Bar-winged Cinclodes-complex. Seen well in central and southern Chile. Cinclodes albiventris albiventris Cream-winged Cinclodes (3) Observed Putre 28-30.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. A split of the Bar-winged Cinclodes-complex. Nesting at our hotel in Putre. Cinclodes atacamensis atacamensis White-winged Cinclodes (2) Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. Showing well at bogs in the northern altiplano. Cinclodes oustaleti oustaleti Grey-flanked Cinclodes (2) Farellones 1.12 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. Nesting in the bolders at the DSP spot in El Yeso Valley. Cinclodes patagonicus patagonicus Dark-bellied Cinclodes (3) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Tierra del Fuego 12.12 and Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12. Seen at various sites in the Lake District and southern Patagonia. It was nesting at El Toro lake. Cinclodes nigrofumosus Chilean Seaside Cinclodes (5) 2 Arica 26.11, 2 Caleta Camarones 27.11 and up to 1 Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 3-5.12. First seen during the Arica extension just south of town but also seen well at Caleta Camarones and during the main tour in Viña del Mar. Endemic to Chile. Sylviorthorhynchus desmurii Des Murs's Wiretail (2) Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12 and 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. Rockjumper Birding Tours



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A pair showed well in a dense bamboo patch south of Puerto Montt. Aphrastura spinicauda spinicauda Thorn-tailed Rayadito (5) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Rio San Juan Delta 10.12. First observed in La Campana NP and further south it was fairly common in Nothofagus forests. Leptasthenura aegithaloides Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail (2) 2 El Yeso Valley 2.12 and Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. pallida: (1) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. Seen at various sites but our best views were at the Band-tailed Earthcreeper spot where an individual of the subspecies pallida showed itself really well. Leptasthenura striata striata Streak-backed Tit-Spinetail (1) Quebrada de Cardones 28.11. A single bird was observed in the canyon where we also saw the Straight-billed Earthcreeper. Asthenes pyrrholeuca sordida Sharp-billed Canastero (1) Farellones 1.12. A singing bird was scoped nicely in the scrub in the higher section of the area. Asthenes pudibunda grisior Canyon Canastero (1) Putre 28.11. A singing pair showed well in the canyon behind our hotel. Asthenes modesta Cordilleran Canastero (2) Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. australis: (1) El Yeso Valley 2.12. Fairly widespread in the highlands of northern and central Chile. Asthenes arequipae Dark-winged Canastero (2) Putre 28.11, Socoroma 30.11 and Putre 30.11. Seen well at our hotel in Putre but also at the edge of Socoroma town. Asthenes anthoides Austral Canastero (1) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. An adult showed well in a scrub patch in the Patagonian steppe. Pseudasthenes humicola humicola Dusky-tailed Canastero (1) 2 Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. Endemic to Chile. A pair showed well after playback of their song. Phleocryptes melanops melanops Wren-like Rushbird (2) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and 1 heard Laguna de Batuco 5.12. Several were observed in the reeds at the edge of the estuary. Pygarrhichas albogularis White-throated Treerunner (5) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. First observed in La Campana NP and further south it was fairly common in Nothofagus forests.




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Tapaculos Rhinocryptidae Pteroptochos castaneus Chestnut-throated Huet-huet (2) Altos del Lircay 6.12 and Altos del Lircay 7.12. This near-endemic was observed fantastically in the forests of Altos del Lircay. Pteroptochos tarnii Black-throated Huet-huet (2) 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. An adult showed well in the early morning next to Hotel Antillanca. Pteroptochos megapodius megapodius Moustached Turca (3) Farellones 1.12, 5 El Yeso Valley 2.12 and 1 heard Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. Seen beautifully at various sites. Endemic to Chile. Scelorchilus albicollis albicollis White-throated Tapaculo (2) 1 heard Farellones 1.12 and Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. Eventually we got great scope views of a vocal pair. Endemic to Chile. Scelorchilus rubecula rubecula Chucao Tapaculo (4) 1 heard Altos del Lircay 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Putre 10.12. Common by voice and seen well along El Pionero trail in Puyehue NP. Eugralla paradoxa Ochre-flanked Tapaculo (1) Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12. We had great views of an adult at the Wiretail spot south of Puerto Montt. Scytalopus magellanicus Magellanic Tapaculo (5) 1 heard Farellones 1.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Rio San Juan Delta 10.12. Seen well in the forest of Altos del Lircay. The central Andes population at Farellones remained heardonly. Scytalopus fuscus Dusky Tapaculo (1) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Seen exceptionally well for being a Scytalopus tapaculo. Endemic to Chile. Tyrant Flycatchers Tyrannidae Elaenia albiceps modesta White-crested Elaenia (2) Chaca Valley 27.11 and Lluta Valley 28.11. Seen well at lower elevations of the I region. Subspecies modesta shows a significant crest. Elaenia chilensis Chilean Elaenia (7) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12 and Rio San Juan Delta 10.12. A fairly recent split of White-crested Elaenia. One of the most common passerines in Chile during the breeding season. Anairetes reguloides reguloides Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant (1) Caleta Camarones 27.11. A pair was located in a small forest patch near the police checkpoint. Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Rockjumper Birding Tours

Anairetes flavirostris arequipae



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(1) Socoroma 30.11. Briefly seen by a few observers only. Anairetes parulus parulus Tufted Tit-Tyrant (3) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12 and Altos del Lircay 7.12. Showing well at various sites. Pseudocolopteryx citreola Ticking Doradito (1) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12. Seen well in the reeds along the estuary. A recent split of Warbling Doradito. A rare bird. Its wintering grounds are still unknown. Tachuris rubrigastra rubrigastra Many-colored Rush Tyrant (2) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and Laguna de Batuco 5.12. This colourful tyrant flycatcher was seen well in reeds and marsh vegetation at two sites. Vermilion Flycatcher (2) Chaca Valley 27.11 and Lluta Valley 28.11. Fairly common in the northern coastal region.

Pyrocephalus obscurus cocachacrae

Lessonia rufa Austral Negrito (4) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. A common sight along the coast of the central region and in southern Patagonia. Lessonia oreas Andean Negrito (2) Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. Only seen in the altiplano of the northern region. Hymenops perspicillatus andinus Spectacled Tyrant (2) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12. Several males were seen very nicely at the doradito site at the edge of the estuary. Muscisaxicola juninensis Puna Ground Tyrant (2) Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. A few were observed at bogs and lake sides in the altiplano of the north. Muscisaxicola albifrons White-fronted Ground Tyrant (2) Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. This rather large ground tyrant was seen at bogs and lakes in the altiplano of the north. Muscisaxicola flavinucha flavinucha Ochre-naped Ground Tyrant (1) Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. A couple showed well along the lake side of Lago Chungará. Muscisaxicola rufivertex pallidiceps Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant (1) Putre 30.11. Up to four birds were seen along the road above Putre. Muscisaxicola albilora White-browed Ground Tyrant (2) Farellones 1.12 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. A fairly common ground tyrant in the central highlands of Chile during breeding season. Cinnamon-bellied Ground Tyrant Rockjumper Birding Tours

Muscisaxicola capistratus View more tours to Chile


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(1) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. A single bird was briefly observed during our lunch stop in the Patagonian steppe. Muscisaxicola frontalis Black-fronted Ground Tyrant (1) 2 El Yeso Valley 2.12. Two adult birds were nicely observed in the valley near the reservoir. Agriornis montanus

Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant (1) Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11.

maritimus: (2) Farellones 1.12 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. This distinct tyrant with white outer tail feathers was seen at various sites. Xolmis pyrope pyrope Fire-eyed Diucon (8) Farellones 1.12, 2 Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Vilches area 7.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and en route 10.12. A fairly common flycatcher in central and southern Chile. Neoxolmis rufiventris Chocolate-vented Tyrant (1) 5 Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12. This striking Patagonian speciality was observed well during our drive to Tierra del Fuego. Ochthoeca leucophrys leucometopa White-browed Chat-Tyrant (1) Socoroma 30.11. A single adult was observed nicely at the edge of town. Eastern Kingbird (1) Lluta Valley 28.11. A boreal vagrant to Chile. Photographed.

Tyrannus tyrannus

Cotingas Cotingidae Phytotoma rara Rufous-tailed Plantcutter (3) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, 1 heard Vilches area 6.12 and Vilches area 7.12. This distinct bird was recorded at various sites. Swallows Hirundinidae Riparia riparia riparia Sand Martin (1) Caleta Camarones 27.11. A single bird was observed at the beach. A long-distance migrant. Tachycineta leucopyga Chilean Swallow (10) Santiago 1.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. A common and widespread "white-rumped" swallow in Chile. Notiochelidon cyanoleuca patagonica Blue-and-white Swallow (13) Arica 26.11, Chaca Valley 27.11, Lluta Valley 28.11, Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11, Lluta Valley 30.11, Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Rio Aconcagua estuary 5.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, Putre Rockjumper Birding Tours



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10.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Common and widespread in Chile. Andean Swallow (2) Putre 28.11 and Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11. Only observed in the northern altiplano.

Haplochelidon andecola andecola

Hirundo rustica erythrogaster Barn Swallow (3) Caleta Camarones 27.11, Lluta Valley 28.11 and Lluta Valley 30.11. A boreal migrant seen at various sites in the north. Wrens Troglodytidae Cistothorus platensis hornensis Grass Wren (2) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and Punta Delgada 11.12. Singing birds were seen at two sites. Troglodytes aedon House Wren (3) Arica 26.11, 1 heard Arica 27.11, 1 heard Caleta Camarones 27.11 and Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11. chilensis: (9) 1 heard El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Rio San Juan Delta 10.12. A common and widespread species in Chile. Subspecies tecellatus is restricted to the northern coast and shows distinct barring on the back. Mockingbirds and Thrashers Mimidae Mimus thenca Chilean Mockingbird (5) Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12 and Vilches area 7.12. Seen well at various sites in the central region. Endemic to Chile. Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Chiguanco Thrush (2) Putre 28.11 and Socoroma 30.11. Only observed in the arid highlands of the north.

Turdus chiguanco chiguanco

Turdus falcklandii magellanicus Austral Thrush (12) Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Santiago 2.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12, Altos del Lircay 7.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, en route 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. A common thrush from central Chile southward. Old World Sparrows Passeridae Passer domesticus domesticus House Sparrow (12) Santiago 26.11, Arica 27.11, Lluta Valley 28.11, 1 heard Santiago 2.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Rio Aconcagua estuary 5.12, observed en route 6-8.12, en route 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12 and Porvenir 12.12. Rockjumper Birding Tours



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A common introduced species most often observed at human settlements. Wagtails and Pipits Motacillidae Anthus correndera chilensis Correndera Pipit (3) Strait of Magellan 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12 and Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12. We had great views of birds in display flight in southern Patagonia. Finches, Euphonias Fringillidae Spinus barbatus Black-chinned Siskin (2) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and 1 heard Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12. A small flock was scoped from the parking lot at Rio Maipo. Spinus magellanicus urubambensis Hooded Siskin (2) Putre 28.11, Lluta Valley 28.11, Socoroma 30.11 and Putre 30.11. A few small flocks were seen in the Putre region and lower down. Spinus atratus Black Siskin (2) Surire Salt Lake 28.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. We had nice views of this species in lake side vegetation in the altiplano. Spinus uropygialis Yellow-rumped Siskin (1) El Yeso Valley 2.12. Small flocks were fairly common in the valley at this locality. Troupials and Allies Icteridae Sturnella bellicosa albipes Peruvian Meadowlark (3) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Lluta Valley 30.11. Fairly common and conspicuous in the coastal region of Arica. Sturnella loyca loyca Long-tailed Meadowlark (9) Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, en route 7.12, en route 8.12, Strait of Magellan 10.12, en route 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12, Tierra del Fuego 12.12 and Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12. Common and conspicuous from central Chile southward. Molothrus bonariensis bonariensis Shiny Cowbird (5) Santiago 26.11, Lluta Valley 28.11, Santiago 2.12, en route 3.12 and Vilches area 7.12. This brood parasite was seen at various sites in northern and central Chile. Curaeus curaeus curaeus Austral Blackbird (7) Farellones 1.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Rio Maule (Laguna Colbun) 6.12, Vilches area 7.12, en route 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Entre Lagos area, Puyehue 10.12. Fairly common from central Chile southward. Agelasticus thilius thilius Yellow-winged Blackbird (2) Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12 and Laguna de Batuco 5.12. This distinct blackbird was only observed in marsh habitat.




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Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae Zonotrichia capensis Rufous-collared Sparrow (4) Arica 26.11, Arica 27.11, Chaca Valley 27.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Putre 28.11, Lluta Valley 28.11, Socoroma 30.11 and Putre 30.11. chilensis: (7) Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal de Cartagena 3.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 4.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, en route 6.12 and en route 8.12. australis: (3) Rio San Juan Delta 10.12, Humedal Tres Puentes, Punta Arenas 10.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Punta Delgada 11.12, Laguna los Palos 11.12, Tierra del Fuego 12.12 and Parque Penguino Rey, Useless Bay 12.12. Common and widespread in Chile. We saw several different subspecies during the tour. Tanagers and Allies Thraupidae Thraupis bonariensis darwinii Blue-and-yellow Tanager (2) Putre 28.11, Lluta Valley 28.11 and Socoroma 30.11. Seen well in the arid valleys of the Putre region. Conirostrum cinereum littorale Cinereous Conebill (2) Chaca Valley 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Lluta Valley 28.11. Fairly common in scrub of the northern coastal areas. Conirostrum tamarugense Tamarugo Conebill (VU) (1) 2 Chaca Valley 27.11. A pair of this very localised species was observed fantastically after an intensive search. Black-throated Flowerpiercer (1) Putre 28.11. Seen nicely in the canyon behind our hotel.

Diglossa brunneiventris brunneiventris

Phrygilus atriceps Black-hooded Sierra Finch (3) Putre 28.11, Surire Salt Lake 29.11 and 2 Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. Our best view of this bird was at the parking lot of Lago Chungará where it was begging for food. Phrygilus gayi Grey-hooded Sierra Finch (3) Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12 and Altos del Lircay 7.12. minor: (1) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. caniceps: (2) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Punta Delgada 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Birds were seen at various sites in the central region and southern Patagonia. Phrygilus patagonicus Patagonian Sierra Finch (2) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12 and Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. Fairly common in the highland forests of Antillanca. Phrygilus fruticeti coracinus Mourning Sierra Finch (3) Putre 28.11, Socoroma 30.11, Putre 30.11 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. Common to abundant in and around Putre. Phrygilus unicolor unicolor Plumbeous Sierra Finch (3) Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11, Lago Rockjumper Birding Tours



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Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Putre 30.11 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. Observed at various sites in the highlands of the north. Also seen in El Yeso. Phrygilus erythronotus White-throated Sierra Finch (2) 2 Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 30.11. A pair of this scarce species was observed well at the bog of Las Cuevas. Phrygilus plebejus plebejus Ash-breasted Sierra Finch (2) Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Surire Salt Lake 29.11 and Socoroma 30.11. A fairly nondescript sierra finch that was fairly common in the highland region of the north. Phrygilus alaudinus alaudinus Band-tailed Sierra Finch (1) Vilches area 6.12. A single male was observed nicely on our way to Altos de Lircay. Melanodera xanthogramma barrosi Yellow-bridled Finch (1) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12. An adult bird showed itself exceptionally well at the first crater above our hotel. Diuca speculifera speculifera White-winged Diuca Finch (2) Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11 and Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11. Common at the bogs in the northern altiplano. Diuca diuca diuca Common Diuca Finch (6) 2 Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12, Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Altos del Lircay 6.12 and Altos del Lircay 7.12. A common passerine in various habitats of the central region. Xenospingus concolor Slender-billed Finch (NT) (3) Humedal Rio Lluta 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11 and Lluta Valley 28.11. Adults and juveniles were seen at various shrubby sites of the northern coastal region. Bright-rumped Yellow Finch (1) El Yeso Valley 2.12. A singing male was photographed in the valley.

Sicalis uropigyalis uropigyalis

Sicalis auriventris Greater Yellow Finch (2) Farellones 1.12 and El Yeso Valley 2.12. The commonest and most abundant yellow finch of the valley. Sicalis olivascens chloris Greenish Yellow Finch (2) Putre 29.11, Putre 30.11 and Socoroma 30.11. Pairs were often perched on the roof of our hotel in Putre. Sicalis luteola luteiventris Grassland Yellow Finch (4) Humedal Rio Maipo 3.12, Laguna de Batuco 5.12, Vilches area 7.12 and en route 8.12. Fairly widespread at lower elevations in the central region. Volatinia jacarina peruviensis Blue-black Grassquit (2) Arica 27.11 and Lluta Valley 28.11. Seen in the agricultural valleys of the Arica region. Chestnut-throated Seedeater (1) Lluta Valley 28.11.


Sporophila telasco



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A couple of singing adults were seen at the old train station in the Luta Valley. Band-tailed Seedeater (1) Putre 28.11. A male was seen in the canyon behind our hotel.

Catamenia analis analis

Mammals (15 in total: 15 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Rabbits, Hares Leporidae Lepus europaeus European Hare (5) El Yeso Valley 2.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12, Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. Introduced. Fairly common and widespread. Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit (3) Farellones 1.12, Chinquihue, Puerto Montt 8.12 and Rio San Juan Delta 10.12. Introduced. Observed at three sites. Chinchillas and Viscachas Chinchillidae Lagidium viscacia Southern Mountain Viscacha (2) Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 29.11, Guarderia Las Cuevas, Lauca NP 30.11 and Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11. This fantastic mammal was seen at rocky sites in the northern altiplano. Nutria Myocastoridae Myocastor coypus Coypu (3) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Punta Delgada 11.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12. This beaver-like mammal was seen at various marshes during the tour. Octodonts Octodontidae Degu (1) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. Seen well by a few observers.

Octodon degus

Wolves, Coyote, Foxes, Jackals Canidae Pseudalopex culpaeus Culpeo (3) Farellones 1.12, El Yeso Valley 2.12 and Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. Also known as Andean Fox. A tame individual came to our vehicle at Farellones. Pseudalopex griseus South American Grey Fox (3) Antillanca, Puyehue NP 8.12, Antillanca, Puyehue NP 9.12 and Tierra del Fuego 12.12.




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Also known as Patagonian Fox. Our best views were in Tierra del Fuego were it was trying to predate a nest of Short-billed Miner. Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae Lontra felina Marine Otter (1) Arica 26.11. We got fantastic views of this large otter along the rocky shore south of Arica. Sea Lions Otariidae Otaria flavescens South American Sea Lion (6) Arica 26.11, Caleta Camarones 27.11, Humedal Rio Lluta 28.11, Pelagic off Valparaíso 4.12, Hotel Oceanic, Viña del Mar 5.12 and Strait of Magellan 12.12. Seen at various sites along the Pacific coast. Camels, Llamas, Vicuna Camelidae Lama guanicoe Guanaco (2) Pali Aike area, Patagonia 11.12, Punta Delgada 11.12 and Strait of Magellan 12.12. A common sight in southern Patagonia. Vicugna vicugna Vicuna (3) 8 Putre 28.11, Altiplano Rio Lauca 29.11, Surire Salt Lake 29.11, Lago Chungará, Lauca NP 30.11, Parinacota, Lauca NP 30.11 and Putre 30.11. Common to abundant in the northern altiplano. Oceanic Dolphins Delphinidae Cephalorhynchus commersonii Commerson's Dolphin (1) Punta Delgada 11.12. We had fantastic close up looks at a couple that were riding the bows of the ferry. Lagenorhynchus australis Peale's Dolphin (1) Porvenir 12.12. A few were seen as we left the harbour of Porvenir. Rorquals Balaenopteridae Balaenoptera borealis Sei Whale (1) Strait of Magellan 10.12. Photographed. This whale was positively identified by a whale expert that studies this scarce species in the region. Deer Cervidae Hippocamelus antisensis Taruca (1) 14 Putre 30.11. Also known as North Andean Deer. Rare. Seen really nicely at the military barracks above Putre.




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Reptiles (5 in total: 5 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Iguanas Iguanidae Liolaemus tenuis Thin Tree Iguana (2) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12 and Altos del Lircay 7.12. Most likely this was the species involved. Atacamen Pacific Iguana (2) Arica 26.11 and Caleta Camarones 27.11. Most likely this was the species involved.

Microlophus atacamensis

High Mountain Lizard (1) El Yeso Valley 2.12. Most likely this was the species involved.

Phymaturus palluma

Tegus & Whiptails Teiidae Spotted False Monitor (1) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. Most likely this was the species involved.

Callopistes maculatus

Colubrid snakes Colubridae Philodryas chamissonis Chilean Green Racer (1) Palmas de Ocoa, La Campana NP 5.12. Mobbed by a House Wren. Most likely this was the species involved. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Rockjumper Birding Ltd Labourdonnais Village Mapou Mauritius


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