List of birds of Chile
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Chile. The avifauna of Chile include a total of 490 species (341 non-passerines and 149 passerines), of which 12 are endemic (with 8 species belonging to the suborder Tyranni), 6 have been introduced by humans and more than 100 are rare or accidental. 33 species are globally threatened.[1] The list includes species recorded on Easter Island, Sala y Gómez, the Juan Fernández Islands and the Chilean Antarctic Territory.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2016 edition.[2] The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Chile. The taxonomy used by the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithologists' Union differs from "Clements", and significant differences in names are noted.[3] Differences from "Clements" in the sequence of orders, families, and species within families are not noted.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories, but not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring native species.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Chile
- (E) Endemic - a species endemic to Chile
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Chile as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
- (H) Hypothetical - a species recorded but with "no tangible evidence" according to the SACC
- (Ant) Antarctic - a species recorded from the Chilean Antarctic Territory but not from Chile proper
Rheas
Order: Rheiformes Family: Rheidae
The rheas are large flightless birds native to South America. Their feet have three toes rather than four which allows them to run faster. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- Lesser rhea, Rhea pennata
Tinamous
Order: Tinamiformes Family: Tinamidae
The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of bird. Although they look similar to other ground-dwelling birds like quail and grouse, they have no close relatives and are classified as a single family, Tinamidae, within their own order, the Tinamiformes. They are distantly related to the ratites (order Struthioniformes), that includes the rheas, emus and kiwis. There are 6 species which occur in Chile.
- Ornate tinamou, Nothoprocta ornata
- Chilean tinamou, Nothoprocta perdicaria (E)
- Andean tinamou, Nothoprocta pentlandii (H)
- Elegant crested tinamou, Eudromia elegans
- Puna tinamou, Tinamotis pentlandii
- Patagonian tinamou, Tinamotis ingoufi
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata (A)
- Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis (A)
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
- Black-necked swan, Cygnus melancoryphus
- Coscoroba swan, Coscoroba coscoroba
- Andean goose, Oressochen melanoptera
- Upland goose, Chloephaga picta
- Kelp goose, Chloephaga hybrida
- Ashy-headed goose, Chloephaga poliocephala
- Ruddy-headed goose, Chloephaga rubidiceps
- Flying steamer-duck, Tachyeres patachonicus
- Flightless steamer-duck, Tachyeres pteneres
- Crested duck, Lophonetta specularioides
- Spectacled duck, Speculanas specularis
- Torrent duck, Merganetta armata
- Chiloe wigeon, Anas sibilatrix
- Blue-winged teal, Anas discors (A)
- Cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera
- Red shoveler, Anas platalea
- White-cheeked pintail, Anas bahamensis
- Yellow-billed pintail, Anas georgica
- Silver teal, Anas versicolor
- Puna teal, Anas puna
- Yellow-billed teal, Anas flavirostris
- Southern pochard, Netta erythrophthalma (A)
- Rosy-billed pochard, Netta peposaca
- Black-headed duck, Heteronetta atricapilla
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis (the local subspecies is also called Andean duck)
- Lake duck, Oxyura vittata
New World quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- California quail, Callipepla californica (I)
Pheasants, grouse, and allies
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 5 species which occur in Chile.
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
- White-tufted grebe, Rollandia rolland
- Great grebe, Podiceps major
- Silvery grebe, Podiceps occipitalis
- Hooded grebe, Podiceps gallardoi (A)
Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down. There are 3 species which occur in Chile.
- Chilean flamingo, Phoenicopterus chilensis
- Andean flamingo, Phoenicoparrus andinus
- James's flamingo (puna flamingo), Phoenicoparrus jamesi
Penguins
Order: Sphenisciformes Family: Spheniscidae
The penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater. There are 10 species which occur in Chile.
- King penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus
- Emperor penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri (A)
- Gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis papua
- Adelie penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae (Ant)
- Chinstrap penguin, Pygoscelis antarctica
- Southern rockhopper penguin, Eudyptes chrysocome
- Macaroni penguin, Eudyptes chrysolophus
- Little penguin, Eudyptula minor (Ant)
- Humboldt penguin, Spheniscus humboldti
- Magellanic penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus
Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 11 species which occur in Chile.
- Gray-headed albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma
- Buller's albatross, Thalassarche bulleri
- White-capped albatross (also called shy albatross), Thalassarche cauta (A)
- Salvin's albatross, Thalassarche salvini
- Chatham albatross, Thalassarche eremita
- Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris
- Sooty albatross, Phoebetria fusca (H)
- Light-mantled albatross, Phoebetria palpebrata
- Royal albatross (southern royal albatross), Diomedea epomophora
- Waved albatross, Phoebastria irrorata
- Wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. There are 38 species which occur in Chile. The diving petrels were included in this family in 2016.
- Southern giant-petrel, Macronectes giganteus
- Northern giant-petrel, Macronectes halli
- Southern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialoides
- Antarctic petrel, Thalassoica antarctica (A)
- Cape petrel, Daption capense
- Kerguelen petrel, Aphrodroma brevirostris (H)
- Snow petrel, Pagodroma nivea (A)
- Great-winged petrel, Pterodroma macroptera
- Kermadec petrel, Pterodroma neglecta
- Herald petrel, Pterodroma heraldica
- White-headed petrel, Pterodroma lessonii
- Mottled petrel, Pterodroma inexpectata (H)
- Juan Fernández petrel, Pterodroma externa
- Black-winged petrel, Pterodroma nigripennis (A)
- Cook's petrel, Pterodroma cookii
- Masatierra petrel, Pterodroma defilippiana
- Gould's petrel, Pterodroma leucoptera (A)
- Stejneger's petrel, Pterodroma longirostris
- Phoenix petrel, Pterodroma alba
- Blue petrel, Halobaena caerulea
- Fairy prion, Pachyptila turtur (A)
- Broad-billed prion, Pachyptila vittata (A)
- Salvin's prion, Pachyptila salvini (A)
- Antarctic prion, Pachyptila desolata
- Slender-billed prion, Pachyptila belcheri
- Gray petrel, Procellaria cinerea
- White-chinned petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis
- Westland petrel, Procellaria westlandica
- Pink-footed shearwater, Ardenna creatopus
- Flesh-footed shearwater, Ardenna carneipes (A)
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
- Buller's shearwater, Ardenna bulleri
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
- Christmas shearwater, Puffinus nativitatis
- Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus
- Little shearwater, Puffinus elegans
- Peruvian diving-petrel, Pelecanoides garnotii
- Common diving-petrel, Pelecanoides urinatrix
- Magellanic diving-petrel, Pelecanoides magellani
Storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 11 species which occur in Chile.
- Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
- Pincoya storm-petrel, Oceanites pincoyae (E)
- Elliot's storm-petrel, Oceanites gracilis
- Gray-backed storm-petrel, Garrodia nereis
- White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina
- White-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta grallaria
- Black-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta tropica
- Polynesian storm-petrel, Nesofregetta fuliginosa
- Ringed storm-petrel, Oceanodroma hornbyi
- Wedge-rumped storm-petrel, Oceanodroma tethys
- Markham's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma markhami
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings. There are 3 species which occur in Chile.
- White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (A)
- Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus
- Red-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- Maguari stork, Ciconia maguari (A)
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana (A)
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (A)
- Great frigatebird, Fregata minor (A)
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 6 species which occur in Chile.
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
- Nazca booby, Sula granti
- Blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii (A)
- Peruvian booby, Sula variegata
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula (A)
Cormorants and shags
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colorful. There are 6 species which occur in Chile.
- Red-legged cormorant, Phalacrocorax gaimardi
- Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus
- Magellanic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax magellanicus
- Guanay cormorant, Phalacrocorax bougainvillii
- Antarctic shag, Phalacrocorax bransfieldensis (Ant)
- Imperial cormorant (shag), Phalacrocorax atriceps
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (A)
- Peruvian pelican, Pelecanus thagus
Herons, egrets, and bitterns
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-neeecked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 12 species which occur in Chile.
- Stripe-backed bittern, Ixobrychus involucris
- Cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula
- Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (A)
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
- Pacific reef-heron, Egretta sacra (A)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata (A)
- Whistling heron, Syrigma sibilatrix (A)
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea (A)
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are six species which occur in Chile.
- White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi
- Puna ibis, Plegadis ridgwayi
- Bare-faced ibis, Phimosus infuscatus (A)
- Buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus (A)
- Black-faced ibis, Theristicus melanopis
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (A)
New World vultures
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion. In the 2016 Clements list they were reclassified into Order Accipitriformes. There are 4 species which occur in Chile.
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
- Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus (A)
- Andean condor, Vultur gryphus
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, eagles, and kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight. There are 11 species which occur in Chile.
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus
- Long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni (A)
- Cinereous harrier, Circus cinereus
- Bicolored hawk, Accipter bicolor
- Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus
- Variable hawk, Geranoaetus polyosoma
- Black-chested buzzard-eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus
- Roadside hawk, Buteo magnirostris (A)
- White-throated hawk, Buteo albigula
- Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni (A)
- Rufous-tailed hawk, Buteo ventralis
Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. There are 13 species which occur in Chile.
- Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis
- Austral rail, Rallus antarcticus
- Spot-flanked gallinule, Porphyriops melanops
- Spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus (A)
- Plumbeous rail, Pardirallus sanguinolentus
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (called P. martinica by the SACC)[4] (A)
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
- Red-gartered coot, Fulica armillata
- Red-fronted coot, Fulica rufifrons
- Giant coot, Fulica gigantea
- Horned coot, Fulica cornuta
- Slate-colored coot, Fulica ardesiaca
- White-winged coot, Fulica leucoptera
Sheathbills
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Chionididae
The sheathbills are scavengers of the Antarctic regions. They have white plumage and look plump and dove-like but are believed to be similar to the ancestors of the modern gulls and terns. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- Snowy sheathbill, Chionis alba
Magellanic plover
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Pluvianellidae
The Magellanic plover is a rare wader found only in southernmost South America. In its build and habits it is similar to a turnstone. Its upperparts and breast are pale gray and the rest of the underparts are white. It has short red legs, a black bill and a red eye. In young birds, the eyes and legs are yellowish.
- Magellanic plover, Pluvianellus socialis
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- Peruvian thick-knee, Burhinus superciliaris
Stilts and avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
- Andean avocet, Recurvirostra andina
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 3 species which occur in Chile.
- American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus
- Blackish oystercatcher, Haematopus ater
- Magellanic oystercatcher, Haematopus leucopodus
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 14 species which occur in Chile.
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Tawny-throated dotterel, Oreopholus ruficollis
- Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
- Andean lapwing, Vanellus resplendens
- Collared plover, Charadrius collaris
- Puna plover, Charadrius alticola
- Two-banded plover, Charadrius falklandicus
- Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (A)
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
- Rufous-chested dotterel, Charadrius modestus
- Diademed sandpiper-plover, Phegornis mitchellii
Seedsnipes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Thinocoridae
The seedsnipes are a small family of birds that superficially resemble sparrows. They have short legs and long wings and are herbivorous waders. There are 4 species which occur in Chile.
- Rufous-bellied seedsnipe, Attagis gayi
- White-bellied seedsnipe, Attagis malouinus
- Gray-breasted seedsnipe, Thinocorus orbignyianus
- Least seedsnipe, Thinocorus rumicivorus
Painted-snipes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly colored. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- South American painted-snipe, Nycticryphes semicollaris
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- Wattled jacana, Jacana jacana (A)
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 32 species which occur in Chile.
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (A)
- Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (extinct)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Bristle-thighed curlew, Numenius tahitiensis (A)
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa (A)
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Surfbird, Aphriza virgata
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus (A)
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla (A)
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis (A)
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla (A)
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri (A)
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus (A)
- South American snipe, Gallinago paraguaiae
- Puna snipe, Gallinago andina
- Fuegian snipe, Gallinago stricklandii
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria (A)
- Wandering tattler, Tringa incana (A)
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 6 species which occur in Chile.
- Chilean skua, Stercorarius chilensis
- South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki
- Brown skua, Stercorarius antarctica
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (A)
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, and terns. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
- Swallow-tailed gull, Creagrus furcatus
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
- Andean gull, Chroicocephalus serranus
- Brown-hooded gull, Chroicocephalus maculipennis
- Gray-hooded gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus (A)
- Dolphin gull, Leucophaeus scoresbii
- Gray gull, Leucophaeus modestus
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (A)
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Belcher's gull, Larus belcheri
- Herring gull, Larus argentatus (A)
- Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
- Black noddy, Anous minutus (A)
- Gray noddy, Procelsterna albivitta
- White tern, Gygis alba
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (A)
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum (A)
- Peruvian tern, Sternula lorata
- Large-billed tern, Phaetusa simplex
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica (A)
- Inca tern, Larosterna inca
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger (A)
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea
- South American tern, Sterna hirundinacea
- Antarctic tern, Sterna vittata (Ant)
- Snowy-crowned tern, Sterna trudeaui
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis (A)
- Elegant tern, Thalasseus elegans
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (A)
- Black skimmer, Rynchops niger
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 11 species which occur in Chile.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Spot-winged pigeon, Patagioenas maculosa (A)
- Chilean pigeon, Patagioenas araucana
- Ruddy ground-dove, Columbina talpacoti (A)
- Picui ground-dove, Columbina picui
- Croaking ground-dove, Columbina cruziana
- Bare-faced ground-dove, Metriopelia ceciliae
- Black-winged ground-dove, Metriopelia melanoptera
- Golden-spotted ground-dove, Metriopelia aymara
- West Peruvian dove, Zenaida meloda
- Eared dove, Zenaida auriculata
Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris
- Dark-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus melacoryphus
Barn-owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 6 species which occur in Chile.
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Austral pygmy-owl, Glaucidium nanum
- Peruvian pygmy-owl, Glaucidium peruanum
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
- Rufous-legged owl, Strix rufipes
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Oilbird
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Steatornithidae
The oilbird is a slim, long-winged bird related to the nightjars. It is nocturnal and a specialist feeder on the fruit of the oil palm.
- Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis (A)
Nightjars and allies
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
- Lesser nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis (A)
- Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor (A)
- Band-winged nightjar, Systellura longirostris
- Tschudi's nightjar, Systellura decussata
Swifts
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
(The SACC places swifts in their own order, Apodiformes)[5]
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. The 2016 Clements list subsumed their former order Apodiformes into Caprimulgiformes There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica
- Andean swift, Aeronautes andecolus
Hummingbirds
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Trochilidae
(The SACC places hummingbirds in their own order, Trochiliformes)[6]
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. The 2016 Clements list subsumed their former order Trochiliformes into Caprimulgiformes. There are 10 species which occur in Chile.
- Sparkling violetear, Colibri coruscans
- Green-backed firecrown, Sephanoides sephaniodes
- Juan Fernandez firecrown, Sephanoides fernandensis (E)
- Andean hillstar, Oreotrochilus estella
- White-sided hillstar, Oreotrochilus leucopleurus
- Giant hummingbird, Patagona gigas
- Chilean woodstar, Eulidia yarrellii (E)
- Oasis hummingbird, Rhodopis vesper
- Peruvian sheartail, Thaumastura cora
- Glittering-bellied emerald, Chlorostilbon lucidus (A)
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquatus
- Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana (A)
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 4 species which occur in Chile.
- Striped woodpecker, Veniliornis lignarius
- Chilean flicker, Colaptes pitius
- Andean flicker, Colaptes rupicola
- Magellanic woodpecker, Campephilus magellanicus
Falcons and caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 10 species which occur in Chile.
- Mountain caracara, Phalcoboenus megalopterus
- White-throated caracara, Phalcoboenus albogularis
- Striated caracara, Phalcoboenus australis
- Southern caracara, Caracara plancus
- Chimango caracara, Milvago chimango
- Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans (A)
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
- Orange-breasted falcon, Falco deiroleucus (A)
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
New World and African parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. There are 5 species which occur in Chile.
- Mountain parakeet, Psilopsiagon aurifrons
- Austral parakeet, Enicognathus ferrugineus
- Slender-billed parakeet, Enicognathus leptorhynchus (E)
- Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (I)
- Burrowing parakeet, Cyanoliseus patagonus
Tapaculos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhinocryptidae
The tapaculos are small suboscine passeriform birds with numerous species in South and Central America. They are terrestrial species that fly only poorly on their short wings. They have strong legs, well-suited to their habitat of grassland or forest undergrowth. The tail is cocked and pointed. There are 8 species which occur in Chile.
- Chestnut-throated huet-huet, Pteroptochos castaneus
- Black-throated huet-huet, Pteroptochos tarnii
- Moustached turca, Pteroptochos megapodius (E)
- White-throated tapaculo, Scelorchilus albicollis (E)
- Chucao tapaculo, Scelorchilus rubecula
- Ochre-flanked tapaculo, Eugralla paradoxa
- Magellanic tapaculo, Scytalopus magellanicus
- Dusky tapaculo, Scytalopus fuscus (E)
Ovenbirds and woodcreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Furnariidae
Ovenbirds comprise a large family of small sub-oscine passerine bird species found in Central and South America. They are a diverse group of insectivores which gets its name from the elaborate "oven-like" clay nests built by some species, although others build stick nests or nest in tunnels or clefts in rock. There are 35 species which occur in Chile.
- Slender-billed miner, Geositta tenuirostris (A)
- Common miner, Geositta cunicularia
- Puna miner, Geositta punensis
- Rufous-banded miner, Geositta rufipennis
- Grayish miner, Geositta maritima
- Short-billed miner, Geositta antarctica
- Creamy-rumped miner, Geositta isabellina
- White-throated treerunner, Pygarrhichas albogularis
- Rock earthcreeper, Ochetorhynchus andaecola (A)
- Straight-billed earthcreeper, Ochetorhynchus ruficaudus
- Band-tailed earthcreeper, Ochetorhynchus phoenicurus
- Crag chilia, Ochetorhynchus melanurus (E)
- Wren-like rushbird, Phleocryptes melanops
- Patagonian forest earthcreeper, Upucerthia saturatior
- Scale-throated earthcreeper, Upucerthia dumetaria
- White-throated earthcreeper, Upucerthia albigula
- Buff-breasted earthcreeper, Upucerthia validirostris
- Buff-winged cinclodes, Cinclodes fuscus
- Blackish cinclodes, Cinclodes antarcticus
- Cream-winged cinclodes, Cinclodes albiventris
- Gray-flanked cinclodes, Cinclodes oustaleti
- White-winged cinclodes, Cinclodes atacamensis
- Dark-bellied cinclodes, Cinclodes patagonicus
- Seaside cinclodes, Cinclodes nigrofumosus (E)
- Thorn-tailed rayadito, Aphrastura spinicauda
- Masafuera rayadito, Aphrastura masafuerae (E)
- Des Murs's wiretail, Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii
- Plain-mantled tit-spinetail, Leptasthenura aegithaloides
- Streaked tit-spinetail, Leptasthenura striata
- Creamy-breasted canastero, Asthenes dorbignyi
- Austral canastero, Asthenes anthoides
- Cordilleran canastero, Asthenes modesta
- Sharp-billed canastero, Asthenes pyrrholeuca
- Canyon canastero, Asthenes pudibunda (A)
- Dusky-tailed canastero, Asthenes humicola (E?)
Tyrant flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain coloring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 40 species which occur in Chile.
- Pied-crested tit-tyrant, Anairetes reguloides
- Yellow-billed tit-tyrant, Anairetes flavirostris
- Tufted tit-tyrant, Anairetes parulus
- Juan Fernandez tit-tyrant, Anairetes fernandezianus (E)
- Ticking doradito, Pseudocolopteryx citreola
- White-crested elaenia, Elaenia albiceps
- Many-colored rush tyrant, Tachuris rubrigastra
- Bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus
- Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus (A)
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus
- Austral negrito, Lessonia rufa
- Andean negrito, Lessonia oreas
- Spectacled tyrant, Hymenops perspicillatus
- Spot-billed ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola maculirostris
- Puna ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola juninensis
- Cinereous ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola cinereus
- White-fronted ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola albifrons
- Ochre-naped ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola flavinucha
- Rufous-naped ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola rufivertex
- Dark-faced ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola maclovianus
- White-browed ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola albilora
- Cinnamon-bellied ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola capistratus
- Black-fronted ground-tyrant, Muscisaxicola frontalis
- Black-billed shrike-tyrant, Agriornis montana
- White-tailed shrike-tyrant, Agriornis andicola
- Great shrike-tyrant, Agriornis livida
- Gray-bellied shrike-tyrant, Agriornis microptera
- Fire-eyed diucon, Xolmis pyrope
- Rufous-webbed bush tyrant, Polioxolmis rufipennis (A)
- Chocolate-vented tyrant, Neoxolmis rufiventris
- D'Orbigny's chat-tyrant, Ochthoeca oenanthoides
- White-browed chat-tyrant, Ochthoeca leucophrys
- Patagonian tyrant, Colorhamphus parvirostris
- Short-tailed field tyrant, Muscigralla brevicauda (A)
- Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus (A)
- Streaked flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus (A)
- Sulphur-bellied flycatcher, Myiodynastes luteiventris (A)
- Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus (A)
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus (A)
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (A)
Cotingas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cotingidae
The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges in tropical South America. Comparatively little is known about this diverse group, although all have broad bills with hooked tips, rounded wings and strong legs. The males of many of the species are brightly colored or decorated with plumes or wattles. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile
- Rufous-tailed plantcutter, Phytotoma rara
Vireos, shrike-babblers, erpornis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus (A)
Swallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 11 species which occur in Chile.
- Blue-and-white swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
- Tawny-headed swallow, Alopochelidon fucata (A)
- Andean swallow, Orochelidon andecola
- Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea (A)
- Southern martin, Progne elegans (A)
- Peruvian martin, Progne murphyi
- Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera (A)
- Chilean swallow, Tachycineta meyeni
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia (A)
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (A)
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 2 species which occur in Chile.
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 5 species which occur in Chile.
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens (A)
- Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus (A)
- Austral thrush, Turdus falcklandii
- Creamy-bellied thrush, Turdus amaurochalinus (A)
- Chiguanco thrush, Turdus chiguanco
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their coloring tends towards dull-grays and browns. There are 3 species which occur in Chile.
- Chilean mockingbird, Mimus thenca (E)
- Patagonian mockingbird, Mimus patagonicus
- White-banded mockingbird, Mimus triurus (A)
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 3 species which occur in Chile.
- Yellowish pipit, Anthus lutescens
- Correndera pipit, Anthus correndera
- Hellmayr's pipit, Anthus hellmayri
New World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. Six species have occurred in Chile.
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis (A)
- Tennessee warbler, Oreothlypis peregrina (A)
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla (A)
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (A)
- Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata (A)
- Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis (A)
Tanagers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar.
- Red-crested cardinal, Paroaria coronata (A)
- Blue-and-yellow tanager, Thraupis bonariensis
- Cinereous conebill, Conirostrum cinereum
- Tamarugo conebill, Conirostrum tamarugense
- Giant conebill, Oreomanes fraseri (A)
- Black-throated flowerpiercer, Diglossa brunneiventris
- Black-hooded sierra-finch, Phrygilus atriceps
- Gray-hooded sierra-finch, Phrygilus gayi
- Patagonian sierra-finch, Phrygilus patagonicus
- Mourning sierra-finch, Phrygilus fruticeti
- Plumbeous sierra-finch, Phrygilus unicolor
- Red-backed sierra-finch, Phrygilus dorsalis
- White-throated sierra-finch, Phrygilus erythronotus
- Ash-breasted sierra-finch, Phrygilus plebejus
- Band-tailed sierra-finch, Phrygilus alaudinus
- White-winged diuca-finch, Diuca speculifera
- Common diuca-finch, Diuca diuca
- White-bridled finch, Melanodera melanodera
- Yellow-bridled finch, Melanodera xanthogramma
- Slender-billed finch, Xenospingus concolor
- Puna yellow-finch, Sicalis lutea
- Bright-rumped yellow-finch, Sicalis uropygialis
- Greater yellow-finch, Sicalis auriventris
- Greenish yellow-finch, Sicalis olivascens
- Patagonian yellow-finch, Sicalis lebruni
- Saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola
- Grassland yellow-finch, Sicalis luteola
- Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
- Chestnut-throated seedeater, Sporophila telasco
- Band-tailed seedeater, Catamenia analis
- Golden-billed saltator, Saltator aurantiirostris
Buntings and New World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.
- Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Cardinals and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 3 species which occur in Chile.
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (A)
- Black-backed grosbeak, Pheucticus aureoventris (A)
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 11 species which occur in Chile.
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus (A)
- White-browed meadowlark, Sturnella superciliaris (A)
- Peruvian meadowlark, Sturnella bellicosa
- Long-tailed meadowlark, Sturnella loyca
- Austral blackbird, Curaeus curaeus
- Yellow-winged blackbird, Agelasticus thilius
- Chestnut-capped blackbird, Chrysomus ruficapillus (A)
- Grayish baywing, Agelaioides badius (A)
- Screaming cowbird, Molothrus rufoaxillaris (A)
- Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
- Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula (A)
Finches, euphonias, and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 5 species which occur in Chile.
- Thick-billed siskin, Spinus crassirostris
- Hooded siskin, Spinus magellanica
- Black siskin, Spinus atrata
- Yellow-rumped siskin, Spinus uropygialis
- Black-chinned siskin, Spinus barbata
Old World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or gray birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There is 1 species which occurs in Chile.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ Globally threatened species in Chile, BirdLife International.
- ↑ Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2016. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2016. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- ↑ http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm A Classification of the Bird Species of South America, hereafter SACC List. Accessed 7 November 2016.
- ↑ SACC List
- ↑ SACC List
- ↑ SACC List
References
- Arayo, Braulio; Chester, Sharon (1993). The Birds of Chile. Santiago, Chile: Latour. ISBN 956-7309-01-9.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.
- Jaramillo, Alvaro; Burke, Peter; Beadle, David (2003). Birds of Chile. London: Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7136-4688-8.
- Jaramillo, Alvaro. "Updated Information - Birds of Chile". Retrieved 29 January 2008.
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Chile". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 26 April 2007.
- South American Checklist Committee (2016). "Species lists of birds for South American countries and territories, Version 4 August 2016". Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- "Aves de Chile". 1999–2008. Retrieved 29 January 2008.
- Marin, Manuel (2004). Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Chile. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-84-87334-59-7.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Birds of Chile. |
- Birds of Chile for the country and by region - World Institute for Conservation and Environment