5 Iconic South American Bird Species—And Where To Find Them
From Medellín to Cusco to Rio de Janeiro, South America is rife with captivating cities that draw huge numbers of visitors each year—but it's not just tourists that can be found during a trip to this sprawling continent. From tiny hummingbirds to fearsome raptors, the avian biodiversity of South America is truly a wonder to behold, with vast swathes of verdant rainforest, open grassland and glacial fjords all playing host to their own unique array of avian species. As you plan your next ecotourism-focused trip to South America, don't miss out on these iconic animals, each one shining a spotlight on the rich biodiversity found from the Darién Gap to Cape Horn.
The Andean condor is the national bird of Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Capable of measuring more than three meters in wingspan, the Andean condor serves as the national bird of multiple South American countries thanks to its majestic appearance—and for near-guaranteed sightings, Peru's Colca Canyon is the perfect spot. Located in the southern reaches of the nation, this high-altitude natural feature draws locals and tourists alike thanks to El Cruz del Condor, a popular viewing platform that offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscapes as well as potential appearances by the local condors. Visitors are recommended to arrive early, with optimal viewing conditions taking place between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and to sweeten the deal, the region is also brimming with other Peruvian avifauna including the oasis hummingbird, mountain parakeet and cactus canastero.
Newly-hatched hoatzins are equipped with claws on their wings, which is a trait shared by no other ... More extant bird species.
An evolutionary oddity within the bird world, the hoatzin possesses a wide range of unique traits including a fermentation-focused digestive system that's similar to those seen in cows and goats. The creatures have a particularly wide range across South America, but for a deep dive on the rich array of native species that call the Amazon basin home, it's tough to beat Parque Nacional Yasuní. Operating in the easternmost reaches of Ecuador, this lush reserve is renowned for its incredibly high level of biodiversity, with well over 500 bird species residing within its boundaries. While hoatzins are a particular highlight, the region also plays host to eye-catching species like the scarlet macaw and spangled cotinga, while resident mammals range from the pygmy marmoset to the giant river otter.
While Magellanic penguins breed in Patagonia, vagrants have been found as far away as Australia.
While Antarctica might be the world's foremost destination for penguin-watching, Chile serves as an ideal alternative thanks to its high concentration of Magellanic penguins, a species that thrives along the shores of Patagonia. For best results, Chile visitors can plan a trip to Punta Arenas—a scenic port city in the country's southernmost region—and set off on a day trip with Solo Expediciones, a local company that's perfected the art of penguin tourism. After a 40-minute boat ride, guests will arrive at the picturesque Isla Magdalena to spend an hour trekking along its many walking paths, with hundreds of resident penguins found sunning themselves on the hills.
The greater rhea is one of the earth's few extant ratites, a type of bird that's known for their ... More lack of a keel bone.
Though not particularly vibrant in appearance, the greater rhea draws intrigue due to its large size and inability to fly, occupying a similar ecological niche as Australia's emu or Africa's ostrich. The birds can be encountered all across Argentina's sprawling grasslands, but for a deep dive into both the land-based and marine biodiversity of the nation, it's tough to find a better destination than Parque Nacional Monte León. Measuring in at more than 600 square kilometers, this pristine preserve is brimming with greater rheas as well as iconic mammals like the guanaco and puma, all while southern right whales can be spotted from the safety of shore from July to November.
While Andean cocks-of-the-rock typically feed on fruit, they're also known to occasionally eat ... More insects and reptiles.
The colorful plumage of the Andean cock-of-the-rock has earned it megatick status with South American birdwatchers, and while the species' native range spans from western Venezuela into the interior of Bolivia, the Colombian department of Antioquia is a particularly popular viewing destination thanks to La Reserva Natural Jardín de Roca. Established years ago in the Colombian heritage town of Jardín, this verdant preserve provides plenty of opportunities to witness male Andean cocks-of-the-rock as they congregate around their dedicated lek, a patch of land that's reserved for mating displays—and while Andean cocks-of-the-rock are certainly the main attraction here, the surrounding region is also rife with eye-catching Colombian species like the purple-crowned fairy and Andean motmot.
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