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List of birds of Chile
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Chile. The avifauna of Chile includes a total of 479 species, of which 12 are endemic, 6 have been introduced by humans, and 88 are rare or accidental. 30 species are globally threatened. The list includes species recorded on Easter Island, Sala y Gomez, the Juan Fernandez Islands and the Chilean Antarctic Territory.
This list's taxonomic treatment and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects 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 following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that 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.
(Ant) Antarctic A species recorded from the Chilean Antarctic Territory but not from Chile proper.
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Rheas
Order: Struthioniformes
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 are 2 species and 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, emu, and kiwi. There are 47 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Chile.
Ornate Tinamou Nothoprocta ornata
Chilean Tinamou Nothoprocta perdicaria (E)
Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii
Elegant Crested Tinamou Eudromia elegans
Puna Tinamou Tinamotis pentlandii
Patagonian Tinamou Tinamotis ingoufi
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 17 species worldwide and 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
Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes chrysocome
Macaroni Penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus
Little Penguin Eudyptula minor (A)
Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti
Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes
Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large sized 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 20 species worldwide and 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)
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 21 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Chile.
Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans
Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora
Waved Albatross Phoebastria irrorata
Gray-headed Albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Buller's Albatross Thalassarche bulleri
Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta
Sooty Albatross Phoebetria fusca (A)
Light-mantled Albatross Phoebetria palpebrata
Shearwaters and Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and 33 species which occur in Chile.
Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus
Hall's Giant Petrel Macronectes halli
Southern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides
Antarctic Petrel Thalassoica antarctica (A)
Cape Petrel Daption capense
Snow Petrel Pagodroma nivea (Ant)
Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera
White-headed Petrel Pterodroma lessonii
Phoenix Petrel Pterodroma alba
Mottled Petrel Pterodroma inexpectata (A)
Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta
Herald Petrel Pterodroma arminjoniana
Juan Fernandez Petrel Pterodroma externa
Defilippe's Petrel Pterodroma defilippiana
Gould's Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera
Stejneger's Petrel Pterodroma longirostris
Blue Petrel Halobaena caerulea
Salvin's Prion Pachyptila salvini (A)
Antarctic Prion Pachyptila desolata
Slender-billed Prion Pachyptila belcheri
Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur (A)
Gray Petrel Procellaria cinerea
White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis
Westland Petrel Procellaria westlandica (A)
Kerguelen Petrel Aphrodroma brevirostris
Pink-footed Shearwater Puffinus creatopus
Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes (A)
Greater Shearwater Puffinus gravis
Buller's Shearwater Puffinus bulleri
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
Christmas Shearwater Puffinus nativitatis
Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus
Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis
Storm-Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. 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 21 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Chile.
Gray-backed Storm-Petrel Garrodia nereis
Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
White-vented Storm-Petrel Oceanites gracilis
White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina
Black-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta tropica
White-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta grallaria
Polynesian Storm-Petrel Nesofregetta fuliginosa
Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma tethys
Markham's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma markhami
Ringed Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma hornbyi
Diving petrels
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Pelecanoididae
The diving petrels are small auk-like birds found in the southern oceans. They feed on krill, copepods and small fish and squid. There are 4 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Chile.
Peruvian Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides garnotii
Magellanic Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides magellani
Common Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix
Tropicbirds
Order: Pelecaniformes
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 worldwide and 3 species which occur in Chile.
Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus
Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda
White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (A)
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (A)
Boobies and Gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Chile.
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
Masked Booby Sula dactylatra
Nazca Booby Sula granti
Red-footed Booby Sula sula (A)
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
Cormorants
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Phalacrocoracidae
The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Chile.
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Rock Shag Phalacrocorax magellanicus
Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvillii
Antarctic Shag Phalacrocorax bransfieldensis (Ant)
Imperial Shag Phalacrocorax atriceps
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi
Frigatebirds
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black and white or completely black, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured 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 5 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
Great Frigatebird Fregata minor
Bitterns, Herons and Egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Chile.
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor (A)
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Pacific Reef-Heron Egretta sacra (A)
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Striated Heron Butorides striata (A)
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Stripe-backed Bittern Ixobrychus involucris
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
Wood Stork Mycteria americana (A)
Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari (A)
Ibises and Spoonbills
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Threskiornithidae
The 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 36 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Chile.
Andean Ibis Theristicus branickii
Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja (A)
Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes
Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. 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 are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Chile.
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis
Andean Flamingo Phoenicopterus andinus
Puna Flamingo Phoenicopterus jamesi
Ducks, Geese and Swans
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 30 species which occur in Chile.
Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata (A)
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis (A)
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melanocorypha
Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta
Kelp Goose Chloephaga hybrida
Ashy-headed Goose Chloephaga poliocephala
Ruddy-headed Goose Chloephaga rubidiceps
Flightless Steamerduck Tachyeres pteneres
Flying Steamerduck Tachyeres patachonicus
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata (I)
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Spectacled Duck Anas specularis
Crested Duck Anas specularioides
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis
Puna Teal Anas puna
Silver Teal Anas versicolor
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (A)
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Red Shoveler Anas platalea
Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma (A)
Black-headed Duck Heteronetta atricapilla
Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata
New World vultures
Order: Falconiformes
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. There are 7 species worldwide, all of which are found only in the Americas, and 3 species which occur in Chile.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus
Osprey
Order: Falconiformes
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, Kites and Eagles
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include 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 233 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Chile.
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni (A)
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus
Chilean Hawk Accipiter chilensis
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris (A)
White-throated Hawk Buteo albigula
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni (A)
Red-backed Hawk Buteo polyosoma
Puna Hawk Buteo poecilochrous (A)
Rufous-tailed Hawk Buteo ventralis
Caracaras and Falcons
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 feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 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 quails
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 are 32 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas, and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
California Quail Callipepla californica (I)
Pheasants and Partridges
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 may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus (I)
Rails, Crakes, 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, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Chile.
Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis
Austral Rail Rallus antarcticus
Spotted Rail Pardirallus maculatus (A)
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus
Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica (A)
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Spot-flanked Gallinule Gallinula melanops
White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera
Slate-colored Coot Fulica ardesiaca
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata
Red-fronted Coot Fulica rufifrons
Giant Coot Fulica gigantea
Horned Coot Fulica cornuta
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in 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 8 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana (A)
Painted snipe
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Rostratulidae
Painted snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
American Painted-snipe Rostratula semicollaris
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 11 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Chile.
Magellanic Oystercatcher Haematopus leucopodus
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
Avocets and Stilts
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus
Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina
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 are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris
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, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Chile.
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens
American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia (A)
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris
Puna Plover Charadrius alticola
Two-banded Plover Charadrius falklandicus
Rufous-chested Dotterel Charadrius modestus
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover Phegornis mitchellii
Tawny-throated Dotterel Oreopholus ruficollis
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 grey, 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 in colour.
Magellanic Plover Pluvianellus socialis
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are 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 species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 31 species which occur in Chile.
South American Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae
Puna Snipe Gallinago andina
Fuegian Snipe Gallinago stricklandii
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus (A)
Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica
Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa (A)
Eskimo Curlew Numenius borealis (A)
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis (A)
Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda (A)
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria (A)
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
Wandering Tattler Heterosceles incanus (A)
Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Surfbird Aphriza virgata
Red Knot Calidris canutus
Sanderling Calidris alba
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (A)
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri (A)
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla (A)
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis
Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Dunlin Calidris alpina (A)
Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus (A)
Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius
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 worldwide and 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
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 are 2 species and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
Snowy Sheathbill Chionis alba
Skuas and Jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey 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 7 species worldwide and 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
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Chile.
Dolphin Gull Larus scoresbii
Belcher's Gull Larus belcheri
Gray Gull Larus modestus
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Gray-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus (A)
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis
Andean Gull Larus serranus
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla (A)
Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan
Sabine's Gull Xema sabini
Swallow-tailed Gull Creagrus furcatus
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey 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 now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Chile.
Elegant Tern Sterna elegans
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis (A)
Royal Tern Sterna maxima (A)
South American Tern Sterna hirundinacea
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Antarctic Tern Sterna vittata (Ant)
Snowy-crowned Tern Sterna trudeaui
Peruvian Tern Sterna lorata
Gray-backed Tern Sterna lunata
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus (A)
Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata
Black Tern Chlidonias niger (A)
Black Noddy Anous minutus (A)
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus
Gray Noddy Procelsterna albivitta
White Tern Gygis alba
Inca Tern Larosterna inca
Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Rynchopidae
Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
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 308 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Chile.
Rock Pigeon Columba livia (I)
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa (A)
Chilean Pigeon Patagioenas araucana
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Pacific Dove Zenaida meloda
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
Parrots, Macaws and allies
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Chile.
Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus
Austral Parakeet Enicognathus ferrugineus
Slender-billed Parakeet Enicognathus leptorhynchus (E)
Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (I)
Mountain Parakeet Psilopsiagon aurifrons
Cuckoos and Anis
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. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
Dark-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus melacoryphus
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
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 195 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Chile.
Magellanic Horned Owl Bubo magellanicus
Rufous-legged Owl Strix rufipes
Peruvian Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium peruanum
Austral Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium nanum
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes
Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis (A)
Band-winged Nightjar Caprimulgus longirostris
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small aerial birds, spending 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 that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus
Hummingbirds
Order: Trochiliformes
Family: Trochilidae
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. There are 337 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Chile.
Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans
Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella
White-sided Hillstar Oreotrochilus leucopleurus
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Juan Fernandez Firecrown Sephanoides fernandensis (E)
Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper
Peruvian Sheartail Thaumastura cora
Chilean Woodstar Eulidia yarrellii (E)
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle 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 218 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Chile.
Striped Woodpecker Picoides lignarius
Chilean Flicker Colaptes pitius
Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola
Magellanic Woodpecker Campephilus magellanicus
Ovenbirds
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 243 species worldwide and 32 species which occur in Chile.
Grayish Miner Geositta maritima
Common Miner Geositta cunicularia
Puna Miner Geositta punensis
Short-billed Miner Geositta antarctica
Rufous-banded Miner Geositta rufipennis
Creamy-rumped Miner Geositta isabellina
Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper Upucerthia jelskii
White-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia albigula
Straight-billed Earthcreeper Upucerthia ruficauda
Rock Earthcreeper Upucerthia andaecola (A)
Band-tailed Earthcreeper Eremobius phoenicurus
Crag Chilia Chilia melanura (E)
Blackish Cinclodes Cinclodes antarcticus
Chilean Seaside Cinclodes Cinclodes nigrofumosus (E)
Dark-bellied Cinclodes Cinclodes patagonicus
Gray-flanked Cinclodes Cinclodes oustaleti
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis
Des Murs's Wiretail Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
Masafuera Rayadito Aphrastura masafuerae (E)
Streaked Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura striata
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops
Dark-winged Canastero Asthenes arequipae
Lesser Canastero Asthenes pyrrholeuca
Dusky-tailed Canastero Asthenes humicola (E?)
Canyon Canastero Asthenes pudibunda (A)
Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta
Austral Canastero Asthenes anthoides
White-throated Treerunner Pygarrhichas albogularis
Tapaculos
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Rhinocryptidae
The tapaculos are a group of small suboscine passeriform birds with numerous species, found in South 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 towards the head. There are 56 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Chile.
Black-throated Huet-huet Pteroptochos tarnii
Chestnut-throated Huet-huet Pteroptochos castaneus
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)
Cotingas
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cotingidae
The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges of 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 coloured, or decorated with plumes or wattles. There are 71 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile
Rufous-tailed Plantcutter Phytotoma rara
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 with stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain colouring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 429 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas and 38 species which occur in Chile.
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps
Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant Anairetes reguloides
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris
Juan Fernandez Tit-Tyrant Anairetes fernandezianus (E)
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Many-colored Rush-Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra
Warbling Doradito Pseudocolopteryx flaviventris
Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
D'Orbigny's Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca oenanthoides
White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys
Patagonian Tyrant Colorhamphus parvirostris
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope
Chocolate-vented Tyrant Neoxolmis rufiventris
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montana
White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis andicola
Great Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis livida
Gray-bellied Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis microptera
Rufous-webbed Tyrant Polioxolmis rufipennis (A)
Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris
Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maclovianus
Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola capistratus
Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola rufivertex
Puna Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola juninensis
White-browed Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora
Cinereous Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola cinereus
White-fronted Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola albifrons
Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola flavinucha
Black-fronted Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola frontalis
Short-tailed Field-Tyrant Muscigralla brevicauda
Andean Negrito Lessonia oreas
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus (A)
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus (A)
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus (A)
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus (A)
Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana (A)
Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Chile.
Southern Martin Progne elegans (A)
Peruvian Martin Progne murphyi
Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni
Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
Andean Swallow Haplochelidon andecola
Tawny-headed Swallow Alopochelidon fucata (A)
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia (A)
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (A)
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
The Motacillidae are 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 54 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Chile.
Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera
Hellmayr's Pipit Anthus hellmayri
Yellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 80 species worldwide (of which all but one are New World species) and 2 species which occur in Chile.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
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 colouring tends towards dull greys and browns . There are 35 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Chile.
Patagonian Mockingbird Mimus patagonicus
White-banded Mockingbird Mimus triurus (A)
Chilean Mockingbird Mimus thenca (E)
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 335 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Chile.
Veery Catharus fuscescens (A)
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii
Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus (A)
Vireos
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 colour and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 52 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus (A)
New World warblers
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 119 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Chile.
Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina (A)
Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata (A)
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla (A)
Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis (A)
Tanagers
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 coloured. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. There are 256 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Chile.
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum
Tamarugo Conebill Conirostrum tamarugense
Giant Conebill Oreomanes fraseri (A)
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra (A)
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis
Buntings, Sparrows, Seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as 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. There are species 275 worldwide and 27 species which occur in Chile.
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
Band-tailed Sierra-Finch Phrygilus alaudinus
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebejus
Canary-winged Finch Melanodera melanodera
Yellow-bridled Finch Melanodera xanthogramma
White-winged Diuca-Finch Diuca speculifera
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca
Slender-billed Finch Xenospingus concolor
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis
Black-throated Flowerpiercer Diglossa brunneiventris
Puna Yellow-Finch Sicalis lutea
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola
Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch Sicalis uropygialis
Greater Yellow-Finch Sicalis auriventris
Greenish Yellow-Finch Sicalis olivascens
Patagonian Yellow-Finch Sicalis lebruni
Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata (A)
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Saltators, Cardinals and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Chile.
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris
Black-backed Grosbeak Pheucticus aureoventris (A)
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium, often colourful, 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 colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Chile.
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus (A)
Chestnut-capped Blackbird Chrysomus ruficapillus (A)
Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelasticus thilius
White-browed Blackbird Sturnella superciliaris (A)
Peruvian Meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
Bay-winged Cowbird Molothrus badius (A)
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula (A)
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus
Siskins, Crossbills 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 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Chile.
Thick-billed Siskin Carduelis crassirostris
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
Black-chinned Siskin Carduelis barbata
Black Siskin Carduelis atrata
Yellow-rumped Siskin Carduelis uropygialis
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Chile.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus (I)
See also
List of birds
Lists of birds by region
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article List of birds of Chile
