Birdwatching in Peninsula Valdes. Bird species

Penguins in Punta Tombo, Chubut province, Argentina.

Bird Species You Can See in Península Valdés

Península Valdés is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 180 bird species. You’ll find coastal, marine, and land birds, including several endemic and migratory species.

Most Iconic Bird Species in Península Valdés

Penguins

  • Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) – Found in Punta Norte and Caleta Valdés (best time: September – April).

Coastal & Wetland Birds

  • American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) – Recognizable by its black body and bright orange beak.

  • Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) – Found in lagoons and estuaries around the peninsula.

  • Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – Seen in saline lagoons, especially near Isla de los Pájaros.

Raptors & Scavengers

  • Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) – Occasionally seen soaring over cliffs.

  • Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) – Common around open grasslands.

  • Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango) – Often seen near coastal areas and estancias.

Seabirds

  • Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) – One of the most common coastal birds in the region.

  • South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) – Frequently seen near Puerto Pirámides.

  • Imperial Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) – Nests on cliffs and rocky shores.

Land Birds

  • Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) – A small, widespread bird in Patagonia.

  • Patagonian Canastero (Pseudasthenes patagonica) – A typical bushland bird, found in dry scrub areas.

  • Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans) – A ground-dwelling bird, common in grasslands.

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Best Places for Birdwatching in Península Valdés

✔️ Isla de los Pájaros – Famous for flamingos, cormorants, and terns.
✔️ Punta Norte & Caleta Valdés – Great for penguins and seabirds.
✔️ Coastal cliffs and estancias – Perfect for spotting raptors and land birds.

Picture of Ramiro Rodriguez

Ramiro Rodriguez

25 years working in travel market, as Sales & Marketing Manager in RipioTurismo, Marketing Manager in Nuevas Ideas Travel Consulting Group. Writer and travel lover.

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