Argentina, one of the world's most biodiverse countries, boasts vast territory and diverse climates, fostering abundant wildlife resources. The country is divided into 18 ecological regions: 15 continental, 2 marine, and 1 Antarctic. Birds are a key representative of the country's biodiversity, with approximately 980 species currently found in stable distribution. However, due to human activities, many bird species face the threat of extinction.
Want to learn about Argentina's distinctive birdlife? This article will introduce you to some representative bird species, their habits, and their conservation status. If you're interested in Argentine birds, please read on!
Table of contents
Andean Condor
Carancho
Jabiru
Giant woodpecker
Royal Duck (Cauquén Real)
Collared quail (Yetapá de collar)
Giant Kingfisher
Blue Bamboo Sparrow
Cardenilla (Red-headed bird)
Hornero (Argentine nesting bird)
More Argentine bird species and endangered species
Andean condor ( Vultur gryphus )
The Andean condor is one of the world's largest-winged birds, with a wingspan of up to 3 meters and a weight of up to 12 kilograms. They have a lifespan of up to 70 years and are distributed throughout the Andes Mountains, from southern Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego and the National Islands. Male Andean condors have a crest-like wattle (carúncula) on their heads and brown irises, while females lack this crest and have red irises. As typical scavengers, they can go for long periods without eating, storing up to 4 kilograms of carrion in their crop.
[Read more about why the Andean condor is endangered]
Small Eagle ( Caracara plancus )
The little eagle is a common large bird of prey in Argentina, highly adaptable, and can live on forest edges, along urban and rural roadsides. They mainly feed on carrion, but also prey on insects, small mammals, and even other birds.
[Learn more about scavengers]
Giant-billed Stork ( Jabiru mycteria )
The toucan is the highest-flying bird in Central and South America, and the second-largest bird in the continent in terms of wingspan, after the Andean condor. It primarily inhabits areas near lakes and rivers, and its diet consists mainly of fish, mollusks, and amphibians. Its name comes from the Guarani language and means "bloated neck."
Giant woodpecker ( Campephilus magellanicus )
This bird is endemic to the forests of Patagonia in the Andes and is commonly found in Nahuelwapi National Park and Lahn National Park. The male has a bright red crest, while the female has a black one. They are adept climbers, using their strong beaks to strike the bark to obtain insects.
[Learn more about insectivorous animals and typical species]
Royal Duck ( Chloephaga poliocephala )
Also known as "gooses," they are mainly distributed along the shores of lakes, rivers, and wetlands, from Colchagua in Chile to Neuquén Province in Argentina, and even Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. Their distinctive feature is their grey head; they nest in waterside vegetation, making them highly camouflaged.
Collared Quail ( Alectrurus risora )
Found in Formosa and Corrientes provinces of Argentina, and occasionally in Chaco and Miciónes. Inhabits damp grasslands and marshes. The male has an extremely long tail, reaching up to 31 cm. Due to habitat destruction, it is critically endangered.
Giant Kingfisher ( Megaceryle torquata )
Widely distributed throughout Argentina, they inhabit the edges of rivers, lakes, swamps, and other bodies of water, and can also adapt to urban environments. Males and females look similar, with long, black beaks, and they dive to catch fish.
Blue Bamboo Finch ( Polioptila dumicola )
Its distribution extends from the north to San Juan, San Luis, Córdoba, La Pampa, and Buenos Aires. It inhabits savanna and forest areas, moving by hopping and short-distance flight. Males have a black eye patch on their faces, while females are paler. Their diet consists mainly of insects, arachnids, and fruits.
Red-headed Bird ( Paroaria capitata )
Distributed in northern and central Argentina, extending to north of Buenos Aires. Commonly found near bodies of water. Head bright red, found singly or in pairs, primarily feeding on seeds, but also preying on insects during the breeding season.
Argentine nesting bird ( Furnarius rufus )
The national bird of Argentina, it is widely distributed and commonly seen in cities. It is small in size, sedentary, and shows no significant sexual dimorphism. It primarily feeds on insects, occasionally consuming seeds and plants. It is famous for its unique "oven-shaped" nests built of mud.
endangered birds in Argentina
In addition to the 10 species mentioned above, Argentina is home to numerous other bird species, some of which are facing serious threats. Below is a list of some endangered or critically endangered bird species:
Grey-headed Albatross ( Thalassarche chrysostoma )
Antarctic spotted penguin ( Eudyptes chrysocome )
Brazilian toucan ( Crax fasciolata )
Antarctic kite ( Phalcoboenus australis )
Chaco Eagle ( Buteogallus coronatus )
Great Osprey ( Harpia harpyja )
Yellow-browed Vermilion Bird ( Gubernatrix cristata )
Brown migratory bird ( Pteroptochos castaneus )
Green parrot ( Amazona vinacea )
Green macaw ( Ara militaris )
Black-winged Needletail ( Eleothreptus anomalus )
Masked Finch ( Coryphaspiza melanotis )
For more detailed information and pictures, please visit our Argentine bird section on our website.
To learn more about the flora and fauna of Argentina, please read our special feature articles on the subject.
References
Birds of Argentina. URL: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aves_de_Argentina
Argentine bird species are classified according to their conservation status. Website: https://avesargentinas.org.ar/sites/default/files/Categorizacion-de-aves-de-la-Argentina.pdf
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Website: https://www.iucnredlist.org/es
Argentina's National Park Service Biodiversity Information System. Website: https://sib.gob.ar/portada
