This site can be reached in a day-trip from either Santiago or Valparaiso/Viņa del Mar. From Santiago, take a bus to Olmue from the Alameda Terminal. These leave every 2 hours, take 2 hours and cost 4200 pesos round trip. The first leaves at 8am and so you don't get to the park until about 11am. On arrival in Olmue it is best to reserve one's seats for the return journey. From Olmue, take a bus with Granizo 45 (250 pesos). 45 refers to the number of the stop. This is the end of the road and the closest one can get to the park. From here it is a 15 minute walk up the hill to the park entrance where a 1500 peso entry fee is payable (bring change). The park can be reached much earlier from Valparaiso. Take a local bus to Limache (750 pesos) from near the market. From here, change to an Olmue bus (300 pesos) or even better one to Granizo and follow the previous instructions. Buses leave Valparaiso from about 5am. We left at 6 and got up to the park just after 8am. It opens officially at 9am but we were allowed in at 8am. I saw 27 species
| Cattle Egret | Bubulcus ibis | Seen near to Olmue |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus | |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| Chilean Hawk ? | Accipiter chilensis | |
| Variable Hawk | Buteo polyosoma | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | Seen near to Olmue |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Chilean Pigeon | Patagioenas araucana | |
| Green-backed Firecrown | Sephanoides sephaniodes | |
| Striped Woodpecker | Picoides lignarius | |
| Chilean Flicker | Colaptes pitius | |
| Thorn-tailed Rayadito | Aphrastura spinicauda | |
| Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura aegithaloides | |
| White-throated Treerunner | Pygarrhichas albogularis | |
| Moustached Turca | Pteroptochos megapodius | Endemic |
| White-throated Tapaculo h | Scelorchilus albicollis | Endemic |
| White-crested Elaenia ? | Elaenia albiceps | |
| Tufted Tit-Tyrant | Anairetes parulus | |
| Fire-eyed Diucon | Xolmis pyrope | |
| Great Shrike-Tyrant ? | Agriornis livida | |
| Chilean Swallow | Tachycineta meyeni | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Chilean Mockingbird | Mimus thenca | Endemic |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Long-tailed Meadowlark | Sturnella loyca | |
| Austral Blackbird | Curaeus curaeus |
Valparaiso is 2 hours from Santiago by regular bus. There are many places to stay in Valparaiso and Viņa del Mar. Many common seabird species can be seen along the coast at both cities. The river in Viņa also had some good water birds. Local buses connect Valparaiso with Viņa del Mar. I saw 26 species
| Pied-billed Grebe | Podilymbus podiceps | |
| Great Grebe | Podiceps major | |
| Peruvian Pelican | Pelecanus thagus | |
| Peruvian Booby | Sula variegata | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba | |
| Snowy Egret | Egretta thula | |
| Black-crowned Night-Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax | |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| Spot-flanked Gallinule | Gallinula melanops | |
| White-winged Coot | Fulica leucoptera | |
| Red-gartered Coot | Fulica armillata | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Arenaria interpres | |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Franklin's Gull ? | Larus pipixcan | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Green-backed Firecrown | Sephanoides sephaniodes | |
| Chilean Seaside Cinclodes | Cinclodes nigrofumosus | Endemic |
| Thorn-tailed Rayadito | Aphrastura spinicauda | |
| Tufted Tit-Tyrant | Anairetes parulus | |
| Chilean Swallow | Tachycineta meyeni | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species |
This large lake is easily reached from Paraiso by public bus. We took a Mirasol bus from the main terminal at 8:30am which took less than half an hour and cost P500. Get off before the turn to Quitay, walk under the bridge and through a gap in the fence. The lake had many Neotropical Cormorants and Great Grebes but few ducks and other waterfowl. The lake is surrounded by areas with non-native Monterrey Pine and Eucalyptus. There are also some scrubby areas with a few common birds. Many buses pass by the lake but only a few stop by the Quintay turnoff on the way back. I saw 28 species
| White-tufted Grebe | Rollandia rolland | |
| Great Grebe | Podiceps major | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | |
| Cocoi Heron | Ardea cocoi | |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba | |
| Snowy Egret | Egretta thula | |
| Black-necked Swan | Cygnus melanocorypha | |
| Chiloe Wigeon | Anas sibilatrix | |
| Yellow-billed Pintail | Anas georgica | |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus | |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| Red-gartered Coot | Fulica armillata | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Brown-hooded Gull | Larus maculipennis | |
| Green-backed Firecrown | Sephanoides sephaniodes | |
| Striped Woodpecker | Picoides lignarius | |
| Thorn-tailed Rayadito h | Aphrastura spinicauda | |
| Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura aegithaloides | |
| Tufted Tit-Tyrant | Anairetes parulus | |
| Fire-eyed Diucon | Xolmis pyrope | |
| Correndera Pipit ? | Anthus correndera | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Long-tailed Meadowlark | Sturnella loyca | |
| Austral Blackbird | Curaeus curaeus | |
| Black-chinned Siskin | Carduelis barbata |
Con Con was an excellent birding area within easy reach of Valparaiso. A direct buses drops you at the bridge. The river mouth and estuary had a number of wading species aswell as large flock of Black Skimmers. From the bridge walk north along the road until a train track crosse the road. Turn left onto this track and follow it along for several kms. It passes 2 small lakes on the right with a few ducks and wader. Further on it passes through heathland where Austral Negrito was seen. Eventually you cross a bridge over a river with excellent birding. Left to the river mouth were fair numbers of waders and right were reed beds with large numbers of ducks. Quintero was reached from Con Con by taking another bus north. From the bus terminal, walk out to Punta Liles which is supposedly good for sea-watching. We saw few birds and also failed to see Humbolts Penguin which has been seen in the bay. I saw 56 species
| Pied-billed Grebe | Podilymbus podiceps | |
| White-tufted Grebe | Rollandia rolland | |
| Great Grebe | Podiceps major | |
| Peruvian Pelican | Pelecanus thagus | |
| Peruvian Booby | Sula variegata | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | |
| Guanay Cormorant | Phalacrocorax bougainvillii | |
| Cocoi Heron | Ardea cocoi | |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba | |
| Snowy Egret | Egretta thula | |
| Cattle Egret | Bubulcus ibis | |
| Chiloe Wigeon | Anas sibilatrix | |
| Yellow-billed Pintail | Anas georgica | |
| Cinnamon Teal | Anas cyanoptera | |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus | |
| Cinereous Harrier | Circus cinereus | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | |
| Plumbeous Rail h | Pardirallus sanguinolentus | |
| Spot-flanked Gallinule | Gallinula melanops | |
| White-winged Coot | Fulica leucoptera | |
| Red-gartered Coot | Fulica armillata | |
| Red-fronted Coot | Fulica rufifrons | |
| Blackish Oystercatcher | Haematopus ater | |
| American Oystercatcher | Haematopus palliatus | |
| White-backed Stilt | Himantopus melanurus | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Collared Plover ? | Charadrius collaris | |
| Rufous-chested Dotterel | Charadrius modestus | |
| Whimbrel | Numenius phaeopus | |
| Lesser Yellowlegs | Tringa flavipes | |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Arenaria interpres | |
| Surfbird | Aphriza virgata | |
| Gray Gull | Larus modestus | |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Franklin's Gull | Larus pipixcan | |
| Black Skimmer | Rynchops niger | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Picui Ground-Dove | Columbina picui | |
| Green-backed Firecrown | Sephanoides sephaniodes | |
| Bar-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes fuscus | |
| Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura aegithaloides | |
| Rufous-tailed Plantcutter | Phytotoma rara | |
| Many-colored Rush-Tyrant | Tachuris rubrigastra | |
| Austral Negrito | Lessonia rufa | |
| Chilean Swallow | Tachycineta meyeni | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Chilean Mockingbird | Mimus thenca | Endemic |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Common Diuca-Finch | Diuca diuca | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Yellow-winged Blackbird | Agelaius thilius | |
| Long-tailed Meadowlark | Sturnella loyca | |
| Austral Blackbird | Curaeus curaeus | |
| Black-chinned Siskin | Carduelis barbata | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species |
We saw a few birds in Puerta Montt whilst waiting for a bus. The bus ride to Castro took about 4 hours and produced a few species. The 30 minute ferry ride from Pagua-Chucao was good for sea birds especially on the way back in the early morning. A few birds were seen around Castro. I saw 38 species
| Great Grebe | Podiceps major | |
| Silvery Grebe | Podiceps occipitalis | |
| Black-browed Albatross | Thalassarche melanophris | |
| Antarctic Giant Petrel | Macronectes giganteus | Vulnerable |
| Pink-footed Shearwater ? | Puffinus creatopus | Vulnerable |
| Sooty Shearwater | Puffinus griseus | |
| Peruvian Pelican | Pelecanus thagus | |
| Peruvian Booby | Sula variegata | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | |
| Rock Shag ? | Phalacrocorax magellanicus | |
| Imperial Shag | Phalacrocorax atriceps | |
| Red-legged Cormorant ? | Phalacrocorax gaimardi | Near-threatened |
| Black-faced Ibis | Theristicus melanopis | |
| Black-necked Swan | Cygnus melanocorypha | |
| Flightless Steamerduck | Tachyeres pteneres | |
| Speckled Teal | Anas flavirostris | |
| Red Shoveler | Anas platalea | Seen near Ancud |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | Seen near Castro |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Rufous-chested Dotterel | Charadrius modestus | |
| South American Snipe | Gallinago paraguaiae | Seen near Ancud |
| Whimbrel | Numenius phaeopus | |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Arenaria interpres | |
| Chilean Skua ? | Stercorarius chilensis | |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Brown-hooded Gull | Larus maculipennis | |
| South American Tern ? | Sterna hirundinacea | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Chilean Pigeon | Patagioenas araucana | Seen on way from Puerto Montt to Bariloche |
| Green-backed Firecrown | Sephanoides sephaniodes | |
| Ringed Kingfisher | Ceryle torquata | |
| Dark-bellied Cinclodes | Cinclodes patagonicus | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Patagonian Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus patagonicus | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species |
This lake is on the road towards the entrance to the Parque Nacional de Chiloe at Cucao. We wanted to visit here on a day trip but out of the high season there is only 1 bus a day, leaving at 12:30pm. Instead we took a bus to XXXXXX and got off on the highway before the bus turned off left into the town. From here it was a 2-3 km walk along the road to a right turn from where we hitched the 8km to the town of Huillinco on the edge of the large lake. From the town, there was good forest along the road. Along here we saw the regional endemics, Chucao Tapaculo and Black-throated Huet Huet. We also saw Slender-billed Parakeets after getting of the bus at the highway. Chilean Flamingos have occasionally been seen at the lake but we saw none. I saw 41 species
| Pied-billed Grebe | Podilymbus podiceps | |
| Great Grebe | Podiceps major | |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba | |
| Black-faced Ibis | Theristicus melanopis | |
| Speckled Teal | Anas flavirostris | |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus | |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| Cinereous Harrier | Circus cinereus | |
| Southern Caracara | Caracara plancus | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | |
| Plumbeous Rail | Pardirallus sanguinolentus | |
| Red-gartered Coot | Fulica armillata | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Kelp Gull ? | Larus dominicanus | |
| Slender-billed Parakeet | Enicognathus leptorhynchus | Endemic |
| Green-backed Firecrown | Sephanoides sephaniodes | |
| Ringed Kingfisher | Ceryle torquata | |
| Striped Woodpecker | Picoides lignarius | |
| Dark-bellied Cinclodes | Cinclodes patagonicus | |
| Bar-winged Cinclodes ? | Cinclodes fuscus | |
| Des Murs's Wiretail | Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii | |
| Thorn-tailed Rayadito | Aphrastura spinicauda | |
| Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura aegithaloides | |
| White-throated Treerunner | Pygarrhichas albogularis | |
| Black-throated Huet-huet | Pteroptochos tarnii | |
| Chucao Tapaculo | Scelorchilus rubecula | |
| Rufous-tailed Plantcutter | Phytotoma rara | |
| Tufted Tit-Tyrant | Anairetes parulus | |
| Fire-eyed Diucon | Xolmis pyrope | |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Patagonian Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus patagonicus | |
| Common Diuca-Finch | Diuca diuca | |
| Grassland Yellow-Finch | Sicalis luteola | On the way to Huillinco |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Yellow-winged Blackbird ? | Agelaius thilius | |
| Long-tailed Meadowlark | Sturnella loyca | |
| Austral Blackbird | Curaeus curaeus | |
| Black-chinned Siskin | Carduelis barbata |
This is a famous site for the penguin nesting colonies. They nest on 3 small islets off the coast but we had missed the breeding season and saw none. About 20 were still present but only came back in the evening to roost. We saw some other good species though including Red-legged Cormorant on the cliffs near the Penguinera, Flightless Steamer-duck in the bay and also 2 Pudu's, a small deer species less than 1km from the Penguinera crossing the road on a slope where there was some low native vegetation on both sides. Punihuil maybe serviced by irregular bus from Ancud. We hitched which was possible but not easy. From the Punihuil turn off from the main road we managed to take a Colectivo all the way to the Penguinera. After the turn-off there were some damp areas with a few species of ducks. I saw 46 species
| Silvery Grebe | Podiceps occipitalis | |
| Peruvian Pelican | Pelecanus thagus | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | |
| Rock Shag | Phalacrocorax magellanicus | |
| Imperial Shag | Phalacrocorax atriceps | |
| Red-legged Cormorant | Phalacrocorax gaimardi | Near-threatened |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba | |
| Snowy Egret | Egretta thula | |
| Flightless Steamerduck | Tachyeres pteneres | |
| Chiloe Wigeon | Anas sibilatrix | |
| Speckled Teal | Anas flavirostris | |
| Yellow-billed Pintail | Anas georgica | |
| Cinnamon Teal | Anas cyanoptera | |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus | |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | |
| Plumbeous Rail | Pardirallus sanguinolentus | |
| American Oystercatcher | Haematopus palliatus | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Rufous-chested Dotterel | Charadrius modestus | |
| Whimbrel | Numenius phaeopus | |
| Lesser Yellowlegs ? | Tringa flavipes | |
| Belcher's Gull ? | Larus belcheri | |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Brown-hooded Gull | Larus maculipennis | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Slender-billed Parakeet | Enicognathus leptorhynchus | Endemic |
| Green-backed Firecrown | Sephanoides sephaniodes | |
| Ringed Kingfisher | Ceryle torquata | |
| Dark-bellied Cinclodes | Cinclodes patagonicus | |
| Thorn-tailed Rayadito | Aphrastura spinicauda | |
| Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura aegithaloides | |
| Chucao Tapaculo ? | Scelorchilus rubecula | |
| Rufous-tailed Plantcutter | Phytotoma rara | |
| Tufted Tit-Tyrant | Anairetes parulus | |
| Fire-eyed Diucon | Xolmis pyrope | |
| Blue-and-white Swallow ? | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Patagonian Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus patagonicus | |
| Common Diuca-Finch | Diuca diuca | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Austral Blackbird | Curaeus curaeus | |
| Black-chinned Siskin | Carduelis barbata | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species Seen on the way to Punihuil |
Punta is the most southerly mainland town in Chile. From the bus on the way down from the border, Lesser Rhea and Chilean flamingo were seen aswell as Upland and Ashy-headed Goose. We birded nearby in the Reserva Forestal Magallanes which had few species but did have the Magellanic Woodpecker. The reserve is about 8km out of town and has no public transport. It is possible to hitch or take a colectivo some of the way. Go straight along Independencia. After leaving the town, the gravel road continues up hill and finally comes to a fork. The 2 roads lead to different sectors of the reserve. We took the right fork. At the gate you may be asked to pay 1000 pesos entry although we were let in for free. There are 2 trails. One straight along and up to a viewpoint and the other braching off right leading down towards a small stream. We saw the woodpeckers a few hundred metres after the fork and they were very easily located by there loud, jay-like calls. We also birded along the coast near town and also 20km further north passed the airport. I 40 saw species
| Lesser Rhea | Rhea pennata | Near-threatened |
| White-tufted Grebe | Rollandia rolland | |
| Black-browed Albatross | Thalassarche melanophris | |
| Antarctic Giant Petrel | Macronectes giganteus | Vulnerable |
| Southern Fulmar | Fulmarus glacialoides | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | |
| Rock Shag | Phalacrocorax magellanicus | |
| Imperial Shag | Phalacrocorax atriceps | |
| Black-faced Ibis | Theristicus melanopis | |
| Chilean Flamingo | Phoenicopterus chilensis | Near-threatened |
| Upland Goose | Chloephaga picta | Seen nearby |
| Kelp Goose | Chloephaga hybrida | |
| Ashy-headed Goose | Chloephaga poliocephala | |
| Flying Steamerduck | Tachyeres patachonicus | |
| Chiloe Wigeon | Anas sibilatrix | |
| Speckled Teal | Anas flavirostris | |
| Crested Duck | Anas specularioides | |
| Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle | Geranoaetus melanoleucus | |
| Variable Hawk | Buteo polyosoma | |
| Southern Caracara | Caracara plancus | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | |
| American Oystercatcher ? | Haematopus palliatus | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Rufous-chested Dotterel | Charadrius modestus | |
| White-rumped Sandpiper | Calidris fuscicollis | |
| Dolphin Gull | Larus scoresbii | |
| South American Tern | Sterna hirundinacea | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Magellanic Woodpecker | Campephilus magellanicus | |
| Dark-bellied Cinclodes ? | Cinclodes patagonicus | |
| Bar-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes fuscus | |
| Thorn-tailed Rayadito | Aphrastura spinicauda | |
| Tufted Tit-Tyrant | Anairetes parulus | |
| Fire-eyed Diucon | Xolmis pyrope | |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus gayi | |
| Patagonian Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus patagonicus | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species |
Porvenir is reached by a 2 and a half hour ferry (4000 pesos 1-way) accross the Magellan Straight. It leaves daily except Mondays at 9am (9:30 on Sundays) from the Tres Puente terminal north of town, reached by colectivo numbers 14, 15, 20 and 21 (250 pesos) from the town centre. From the ferry we saw a few Magellanic Penguins and a Magellanic Diving-Petrel aswell as Black-browed Albatross and a few other sea birds. From Porvenir we walked 5km towards the airport and birded the southern edge of the huge Lago de los Cisnes walking back along a different road to town. The lake was good for Chilean Flamingos, Coscoroba Swans and a pair of Spectacled Ducks were flushed from a small pond close to the airport. I saw 42 species
| Magellanic Penguin | Spheniscus magellanicus | Near-threatened |
| Silvery Grebe | Podiceps occipitalis | |
| Black-browed Albatross | Thalassarche melanophris | |
| Antarctic Giant Petrel | Macronectes giganteus | Vulnerable |
| Southern Fulmar | Fulmarus glacialoides | |
| Magellanic Diving-Petrel | Pelecanoides magellani | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | |
| Rock Shag | Phalacrocorax magellanicus | |
| Chilean Flamingo | Phoenicopterus chilensis | Near-threatened |
| Coscoroba Swan | Coscoroba coscoroba | |
| Upland Goose | Chloephaga picta | |
| Kelp Goose | Chloephaga hybrida | |
| Ashy-headed Goose | Chloephaga poliocephala | |
| Flying Steamerduck | Tachyeres patachonicus | |
| Speckled Teal | Anas flavirostris | |
| Spectacled Duck | Anas specularis | Near-threatened |
| Crested Duck | Anas specularioides | |
| Red Shoveler | Anas platalea | |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | |
| Two-banded Plover | Charadrius falklandicus | |
| Rufous-chested Dotterel | Charadrius modestus | |
| South American Snipe | Gallinago paraguaiae | |
| White-rumped Sandpiper | Calidris fuscicollis | |
| Chilean Skua | Stercorarius chilensis | |
| Dolphin Gull | Larus scoresbii | |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Brown-hooded Gull | Larus maculipennis | |
| Short-billed Miner | Geositta antarctica | |
| Bar-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes fuscus | |
| Fire-eyed Diucon ? | Xolmis pyrope | |
| White-browed Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola albilora | |
| Austral Negrito | Lessonia rufa | |
| House Wren ? | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus gayi | |
| Patagonian Yellow-Finch | Sicalis lebruni | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Long-tailed Meadowlark | Sturnella loyca | |
| Black-chinned Siskin ? | Carduelis barbata | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species |
San Gabriel is fairly easily reached from Santiago by public transport. Take Line 5 (the green line) to Bellavista de la Florida (340 pesos offpeak). Next to the Metro station is the Metrobus station. Take Metrobus (sky blue colour) number 72 to San Jose del Maipo (700 pesos). From there take another bus or colectivo (1000 pesos) further along to San Gabriel. From here walk along the river past where the Rio Yeso and Rio Volcan join. After a km or so there is a left turn signed to Embalse El Yeso. The best birding along this road is after about 3-4km. Andean Condors were easily seen and Crag Chilia seen hopping on rocks just before a group of buildings. Diademed Sandpiper-Plover can apparently be seen past the reservoir but very few cars pass along the road during the week and hitching seemed difficult. It may be more possibleto hitch up there at the weekend. I saw 17 species including 2 lifers
| Torrent Duck | Merganetta armata | |
| Andean Condor | Vultur gryphus | Near-threatened |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis | See on the way to El Yeso |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Chilean Flicker | Colaptes pitius | |
| Crag Chilia | Chilia melanura | Endemic |
| Dark-bellied Cinclodes ? | Cinclodes patagonicus | |
| Moustached Turca | Pteroptochos megapodius | Endemic |
| Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola macloviana | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Chilean Mockingbird | Mimus thenca | Endemic |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch ? | Phrygilus gayi | |
| Common Diuca-Finch | Diuca diuca | |
| Long-tailed Meadowlark | Sturnella loyca | |
| Austral Blackbird | Curaeus curaeus |
Parks around town and the river have a few common birds. The park below the statue of 'La Virgen' had Californian Quail. I saw 11 species
| Mountain Caracara | Phalcoboenus megalopterus | Seen on the bus ride from Santiago to Mendoza |
| Chimango Caracara | Milvago chimango | |
| California Quail | Callipepla californica | Introduced species |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Eared Dove | Zenaida auriculata | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | |
| Austral Thrush | Turdus falcklandii | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Austral Blackbird | Curaeus curaeus | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species |
Lauca National Park can be reached from Bolivia, Arica or Putre. I got dropped off by the bus from La Paz at the turnoff for the small town of Parinacota (4392m altitude) 4km away. There are a couple of families with beds. I paid 2,500 pesos for a bed in a shared room with kitchen priveledges. I was told there were no shops selling food so brought my own but that wasn't quite true. There is a man with a very small shop on the plaza with some drinks and snacks. His wife (Albertina) will also sell a few vegetables. The lady I stayed with can also provide dinners. Daytimes were pleasant but nights very cold. I recommend a sleeping bag as well as the blankets provided.
| Silvery Grebe | Podiceps occipitalis | Photographed |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | Photographed |
| Black-crowned Night-Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax | Photographed |
| Puna Ibis | Plegadis ridgwayi | Photographed |
| Chilean Flamingo | Phoenicopterus chilensis | Near-threatened Photographed |
| Andean Flamingo | Phoenicopterus andinus | Vulnerable Photographed |
| Andean Goose | Chloephaga melanoptera | Photographed |
| Speckled Teal | Anas flavirostris | Photographed |
| Crested Duck | Anas specularioides | Photographed |
| Puna Teal | Anas puna | |
| Andean Duck | Oxyura ferruginea | Seen on Lago Chungara |
| Variable (Red-backed) Hawk | Buteo polyosoma | Photographed |
| (Puna Hawk) | Buteo polyosoma | Photographed |
| Mountain Caracara | Phalcoboenus megalopterus | |
| Slate-colored Coot | Fulica ardesiaca | Seen on Lago Chungara |
| Giant Coot | Fulica gigantea | Photographed |
| Andean Avocet | Recurvirostra andina | Photographed |
| Andean Lapwing | Vanellus resplendens | |
| American Golden-Plover | Pluvialis dominica | |
| Puna Plover | Charadrius alticola | |
| Puna Snipe | Gallinago andina | Photographed |
| Greater Yellowlegs | Tringa melanoleuca | Photographed |
| Lesser Yellowlegs | Tringa flavipes | Possibly seen |
| Baird's Sandpiper | Calidris bairdii | Photographed |
| Wilson's Phalarope | Phalaropus tricolor | |
| Gray-breasted Seedsnipe | Thinocorus orbignyianus | Photographed |
| Andean Gull | Larus serranus | Photographed |
| Andean Hillstar | Oreotrochilus estella | |
| Andean Flicker | Colaptes rupicola | Photographed |
| Puna Miner | Geositta punensis | Photographed |
| Plain-breasted Earthcreeper | Upucerthia jelskii | Photographed |
| Bar-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes fuscus | Photographed |
| White-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes atacamensis | Photographed |
| Streaked Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura striata | Photographed |
| Cordilleran Canastero | Asthenes modesta | Photographed |
| White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant | Agriornis andicola | Vulnerable Photographed |
| Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola rufivertex | Photographed |
| Puna Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola juninensis | Possibly seen |
| Cinereous Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola cinerea | Possibly seen |
| White-fronted Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola albifrons | Photographed |
| Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant | Muscisaxicola flavinucha | Photographed |
| Andean Negrito | Lessonia oreas | Photographed |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca | |
| Andean Swallow | Stelgidopteryx andecola | |
| Black-hooded Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus atriceps | Photographed |
| Plumbeous Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus unicolor | Photographed |
| White-throated Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus erythronotus | Photographed |
| Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus plebejus | Photographed |
| White-winged Diuca-Finch | Diuca speculifera | Photographed |
| Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch | Sicalis uropygialis | Photographed |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | Photographed |
| Black Siskin | Carduelis atrata | Photographed |
Putre (about 3,500m) is below the Lauca National park and has a few interesting birds around town. There are a few restaurants and places to stay here. A bus leaves Arica for Putre in the early morning from the 'La Palomita' bus office on Calle Riesgo and goes back from Putre at 2pm daily (P2000) from La Palomita shop.
| Bare-faced Ground-Dove | Metriopelia ceciliae | Photographed |
| Sparkling Violet-ear | Colibri coruscans | Rare/Accidental Heard only |
| Andean Hillstar | Oreotrochilus estella | Photographed |
| Plain-breasted Earthcreeper | Upucerthia jelskii | |
| White-throated Earthcreeper | Upucerthia albigula | Possibly seen |
| White-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes atacamensis | |
| Streaked Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura striata | |
| Dark-winged Canastero | Asthenes arequipae | |
| Cordilleran Canastero | Asthenes modesta | |
| Andean Swallow | Stelgidopteryx andecola | |
| Chiguanco Thrush | Turdus chiguanco | |
| Blue-and-yellow Tanager | Thraupis bonariensis | |
| Black-hooded Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus atriceps | |
| Mourning Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus fruticeti | Photographed |
| Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch | Phrygilus plebejus | |
| Band-tailed Seedeater | Catamenia analis | |
| Greenish Yellow-Finch | Sicalis olivascens | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Hooded Siskin | Carduelis magellanica | |
| Black Siskin | Carduelis atrata |
This is a good spot for sea and shore birds. Its just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Arica heading South. Inca Tern and Sabines Gull were common here. Another couple of spots worth a look are the Lluta River estuary further to the North, where they seem to be trying to make a small nature reserve, and Playa Corazon at the end of the coast road to the south. A path continues along the coast from here through a cave. It reaches a point where you can see an island with fur seals on it. Chilean Seaside Cinclodes can be seen on rocks along the path. I saw 23 species including 3 lifers
| Peruvian Pelican | Pelecanus thagus | Photographed |
| Peruvian Booby | Sula variegata | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Phalacrocorax brasilianus | Photographed |
| Guanay Cormorant | Phalacrocorax bougainvillii | Photographed |
| Red-legged Cormorant | Phalacrocorax gaimardi | Near-threatened |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba | Seen in the Lluta estuary |
| Snowy Egret | Egretta thula | Photographed |
| Black-crowned Night-Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax | |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | Photographed |
| Blackish Oystercatcher | Haematopus ater | Photographed |
| American Oystercatcher | Haematopus palliatus | |
| Killdeer | Charadrius vociferus | Seen near the Lluta estuary |
| Whimbrel | Numenius phaeopus | Photographed |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Arenaria interpres | Photographed |
| Surfbird | Aphriza virgata | |
| Belcher's Gull | Larus belcheri | Photographed |
| Gray Gull | Larus modestus | Photographed |
| Kelp Gull | Larus dominicanus | |
| Sabine's Gull | Xema sabini | Photographed |
| Elegant Tern | Sterna elegans | Near-threatened |
| Inca Tern | Larosterna inca | |
| Pacific Dove | Zenaida meloda | |
| Chilean Seaside Cinclodes | Cinclodes nigrofumosus | Endemic Seen near Playa Corazon Photographed |
This valley inland from Arica is famous for holding the endangered Chilean Woodstar and vulnerable Slender-billed Finch. Take a yellow communal taxi from the roundabout for Azapa. You can get there from the centre by colectivos 8 and 18 (300 pesos). The yellow colectivo to San Miguel de Azapa (at km 12) cost about P650. Before the town at km11 is a right turning along which there are flowering roadside shrubs. One with small florets of pink and orange flowers is good for small hummingbirds. The next good spot is the garden of the archeological Museum, a left turn (signed) just before San Miguel. The same pink and orange flowers here have Peruvian Sheartail. The garden is also a good place to look for Slender-billed Finch.
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | Photographed |
| Aplomado Falcon | Falco femoralis | |
| Peruvian Thick-knee | Burhinus superciliaris | Rare/Accidental Photographed |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia | Introduced species |
| Eared Dove | Zenaida auriculata | |
| Pacific Dove | Zenaida meloda | Photographed |
| Croaking Ground-Dove | Columbina cruziana | |
| Burrowing Owl | Athene cunicularia | Photographed |
| Oasis Hummingbird | Rhodopis vesper | Photographed |
| Peruvian Sheartail | Thaumastura cora | Rare/Accidental Photographed |
| Chilean Woodstar | Eulidia yarrellii | Endangered Photographed |
| White-crested Elaenia | Elaenia albiceps | Photographed |
| Vermilion Flycatcher | Pyrocephalus rubinus | Photographed |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca | |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon | Heard only |
| Cinereous Conebill | Conirostrum cinereum | Photographed |
| Slender-billed Finch | Xenospingus concolor | Vulnerable Photographed |
| Blue-black Grassquit | Volatinia jacarina | |
| Chestnut-throated Seedeater | Sporophila telasco | Photographed |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis | |
| Shiny Cowbird | Molothrus bonariensis | Photographed |
| Hooded Siskin | Carduelis magellanica | Photographed |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Introduced species |
This is one of the best sites to see the localized Tamarugo Conebill. It is within easy reach of Arica. Catch a bus towards Iquique from the main terminal. Buses leave at 8 and 8:30. Earlier too but it's still dark then. Do not buy a ticket, just pay directly to the driver and ask to get off at the 'cruce' (junction) for Caleta Vitor. This is 45km from Arica and takes about 40 minutes on a good road. From the junction, Caleta Vitor is 20km away but the Tamarugo Conebill can be seen after just 2km. Walk down the road and just before the 2km marker, the first trees appear on the right. It can be seen here. There are trees and other vegetation along the river a bit further down. Here a slaty-blue coloured bird I saw briefly may have been a Slender-billed Finch.
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius | |
| Pacific Dove | Zenaida meloda | |
| White-crested Elaenia | Elaenia albiceps | |
| Vermilion Flycatcher | Pyrocephalus rubinus | |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca | |
| Cinereous Conebill | Conirostrum cinereum | Possibly seen |
| Tamarugo Conebill | Conirostrum tamarugense | Vulnerable Photographed |
| Slender-billed Finch | Xenospingus concolor | Vulnerable Possibly seen |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis |