Wildlife

Wildlife Encounters And Species Notes

Browse wildlife entries, sightings and photographic highlights.

Wildlife Notes

Andean condor

Andean condorVultur gryphusThe Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, with a vast wingspan and distinctive black-and-white plumage. It is a New World vulture found along the Andes and parts of western South America, where it soars over mountains, cliffs and open landscapes in search of carrion. In Patagonia, seeing condors circling above the valleys and ridges is one of the great wildlife highlights.

Argentine Black‑and‑white Tegu

Argentine Black‑and‑white TeguSalvator merianaeA large, powerful tegu native to South America, recognised by its bold black‑and‑white patterning and muscular build. Intelligent and omnivorous, it forages across forest floors for fruit, insects, eggs, and small vertebrates. Often seen basking in sunlit clearings, it is one of the most adaptable and widespread tegu species.

Austral Negrito

Austral NegritoLessonia rufaThe Austral Negrito is a small insect-eating bird commonly found in open grasslands and scrub across southern South America. Males are strikingly black with chestnut backs, while females and juveniles are grey-brown with warm buff tones. In Patagonia, these active little birds are frequently seen around lakeshores, roadsides and open countryside, where they hunt insects from low perches or the ground.

Black-faced Ibis

Black-faced IbisTheristicus melanopisThe Black-faced Ibis is a large South American ibis found in wetlands, grasslands and open country across much of southern Argentina and Chile, including Patagonia. It has a long down-curved bill, buff-coloured neck, dark body and pale wing panels, and is often seen feeding or flying over damp ground and shallow water.

Black‑necked Aracari

Black‑necked AracariPteroglossus aracariA colourful toucan species found across northern South America, recognised by its bold black head and neck, bright yellow breast with a red band, and a large multicoloured bill. Often seen moving through canopy foliage in small groups, it feeds on fruit, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates.

Black-necked swan

Black-necked swanCygnus melancoryphusThe Black-necked swan is the largest waterfowl native to South America. Easily recognised by its striking black neck and white body, it inhabits lakes, lagoons and sheltered coastal waters. It feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation and is a familiar sight in southern Chile and Patagonia.

Chalk-browed Mockingbird

Chalk-browed MockingbirdMimus saturninusThe Chalk-browed Mockingbird is a widespread songbird found across much of southern South America. It is easily recognised by its pale eyebrow, long tail and confident behaviour. Highly adaptable, it thrives in parks, gardens and open countryside where it feeds on insects, fruit and seeds, often foraging on the ground.

Chimango caracara

Chimango caracaraDaptrius chimangoThe Chimango caracara is one of the most common birds of prey in southern South America. An opportunistic hunter and scavenger, it is frequently seen around coastlines, grasslands and settlements. Despite its modest size, it is highly adaptable and often feeds on insects, carrion and small animals.

Crested duck

Crested duckLophonetta specularioidesThe Crested duck is a distinctive waterfowl species found throughout southern South America. Named for the small crest on the back of its head, it inhabits lakes, rivers and coastal waters, where it feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates. It is particularly common in Patagonia and the Falkland Islands.

Dark-faced Ground Tyrant

Dark-faced Ground TyrantMuscisaxicola maclovianusA small, ground-dwelling flycatcher found throughout southern Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. Recognisable by its dark face, pale grey underparts and upright stance, it is remarkably tame and often approaches hikers while searching for insects disturbed by their footsteps. Frequently seen on open grassland, rocky shores and mountain valleys, it is one of Patagonia's most familiar and photogenic birds.

Magellanic Oystercatcher

Magellanic OystercatcherHaematopus leucopodusThe Magellanic oystercatcher is a striking shorebird of southern South America, recognised by its black-and-white plumage and bright orange-red bill. It inhabits rocky coasts and beaches, where it uses its specialised bill to feed on mussels and other shellfish.

Plush‑crested Jay

Plush‑crested JayCyanocorax chrysopsA striking jay found across South America, recognised by its deep blue plumage, bold black crest, and vivid yellow eyes framed by electric‑blue facial markings. It is intelligent, vocal, and often seen moving through forest edges in small social groups.

Polydamas Swallowtail

Polydamas SwallowtailBattus polydamasA striking swallowtail butterfly found across the Americas, recognised by its black wings edged with creamy‑yellow bands and bright red and blue spots near the hindwing margins. It frequents warm, leafy habitats and is often seen gliding low over vegetation while feeding on nectar from flowering plants.

Red‑veined Darter

Red‑veined DarterSympetrum fonscolombiiA fast‑flying dragonfly recognised by its vivid red abdomen, amber‑tinted wings, and distinctive red veins near the wing bases. Common across warm regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia, it favours ponds, marshes, and open water where males perch prominently while defending territories.

Rufous Hornero

Rufous HorneroFurnarius rufusThe Rufous Hornero is one of South America's best-known birds and the national bird of Argentina. Easily recognised by its warm rufous-brown plumage and distinctive mud nests, it is commonly found in parks, gardens, farmland and open woodland. Horneros spend much of their time walking across the ground searching for insects and other small invertebrates.

Rufous-collared Sparrow

Rufous-collared SparrowZonotrichia capensisThe Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) is one of South America's most widespread and familiar songbirds. Recognisable by its grey head, black-and-white striped throat, and distinctive chestnut collar, it inhabits a wide variety of environments from gardens and farmland to mountain slopes and Patagonian scrub. It feeds mainly on seeds and insects and is often seen foraging on the ground or singing from low shrubs and fences.

South American Coati

South American CoatiNasua nasuaA highly adaptable forest mammal found across much of South America, known for its elongated snout, masked facial markings, and agile ringed tail. Coatis forage actively on the forest floor, using their strong sense of smell to locate insects, fruit, and small vertebrates. Social and curious, they often move in groups through woodland and scrub habitats.

Southern Crested Caracara

Southern Crested CaracaraCaracara plancusThe Southern Crested Caracara is a large, ground-foraging falcon found across much of South America, including Patagonia. Easily recognised by its black cap, pale neck, barred chest, orange facial skin and yellow legs, it is an adaptable scavenger and opportunistic hunter often seen walking boldly through open ground, forest edges, roadsides and coastal areas. Although related to falcons, its behaviour is more crow-like, feeding on carrion, insects, eggs, small animals and discarded food.

Southern lapwing

Southern lapwingVanellus chilensisThe Southern lapwing is one of the most widespread and recognisable birds in South America. Known for its distinctive crest, loud calls and iridescent plumage, it inhabits open grasslands, wetlands and coastal areas. It is highly territorial and is often heard before it is seen.