A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

BIRDS & WINES OF CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2023

February 4-18, 2023 with Marcelo Padua guiding

Field Guides Birding Tours
The Yeso Valley is remarkably scenic, and it is the best place in the world to see Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. Photo by group member Randy Beaton.

I have to admit that I was pretty worried about retuning to Chile and Argentina after three years without running the tour, but 2023 was an amazing year for the Birds and Wines of Chile and Argentina tour. We started our tour in Santiago where we birded high in the Andes—and saw incredible birds like the Andean Condor that was perched on the roof of a building and took off as we looked at it, giving us a great chance realize just how massive these birds are. It also offered some great opportunities to study the differences between Buff-winged and Gray-flanked Cinclodes, along with several other high altitude dwellers. We continued to explore the beauty of the high Andes in the Yeso Valley, where we connected with Crag Chilias, Mountain Parakeets, and our main target—the beautiful Diademed Sandpiper-Plover!

Our visit to the Santiago area would not be complete without some world class wines and great food; we dined at Concha y Toro Winery, and had lunch followed by a visit to Santa Rita Winery. All of it made for a perfect start of the tour, and we moved on to Argentina with a fabulous stop at the base of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia. Our time spent in Argentina was filled with good wines, great birds and excellent food—but the true surprise was a sewage treatment plant that we visited for the first time, and I have to admit that this was largely responsible for the highest species count ever on this tour. We packed our things up and returned to Chile for some coastal birding, seafood tasting, and great white wines—but here too we had to change things up a bit due to increased risks of fire at La Campana National Park. So we headed to the mouth of the Maipo River and had an amazing day of birding, followed by an incredible lunch at Matetic Vineyard, and a very successful trip to look for the endemic White-throated Tapaculo.

Our tour went by in a glimpse, and I think this may have been the best year yet for the Birds and Wines of Chile and Argentina, so everything we did differently is now a part of the itinerary—and I have each and every one of you to thank for sharing this experience with me.

I look forward to birding and raising a glass of wine with each one of you again in the near future.

‘Til we meet again.

—Marcelo Padua

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant


Rheidae (Rheas)

LESSER RHEA (Rhea pennata)

Seen on the way to and from Malargue. The birds we saw are the nominate form which is also known as Darwin's Rhea.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Elegant Crested-Tinamou is always a crowd pleaser. These birds were photographed by participant Sid England along the side of the road near Llancanelo Provincial Park.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)

DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii) [*]

ELEGANT CRESTED-TINAMOU (Eudromia elegans)

We had excellent looks at this beautiful tinamou on our way to the Parque Provincial Laguna Llancanelo.

Anhimidae (Screamers)

SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)

The first time we ever saw this and several other species of waterfowl on the tour, thanks to a change in the flight schedule out of Mendoza that allowed us to visit a sewage treatment plant outside of Mendoza.

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)

BLACK-NECKED SWAN (Cygnus melancoryphus)

Seen on our way to and from Mallargue.

COSCOROBA SWAN (Coscoroba coscoroba)

Multiple sightings during our visit to Mendoza.

ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus)

A species of high altitude so it was fitting to see it in Argentina at the base of Mount Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the world outside of the Himalayas.

CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides)

Seen both at Embalse Yeso in Chile and at Piletones Paramillo in Mendoza.

SILVER TEAL (Spatula versicolor)

One of many species we added to our checklist at Piletones Paramillo

CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera)

RED SHOVELER (Spatula platalea)

Multiple sightings during our time in Mendoza

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Chilean Flamingos were a welcome splash of color amid the arid landscapes of Mendoza. Photo by group member Diane Nastase.

CHILOE WIGEON (Mareca sibilatrix)

Despite the fact that this species is named after Chile we only saw them in Argentina.

YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)

It is always nice to see this species side by side with the Yellow-billed Teal like we saw at Piletones de Paramillos in Mendoza.

YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (FLAVIROSTRIS) (Anas flavirostris flavirostris)

ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca)

Seen at Piletones Paramillos

BLACK-HEADED DUCK (Heteronetta atricapilla)

This is a secretive species that can be pretty hard to see but we had good looks at Piletones Paramillos

LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata)

Seen multiple times in Mendoza

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

CALIFORNIA QUAIL (Callipepla californica)

Introduced to Chile where it has become a well established species that is very common.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

This may be the Chilean Flamingo but we only saw it in Argentina

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)

GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)

SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa)

A common species that we saw on most days in Argentina

PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)

Seen both in Chile and Argentina. This is the "standard" small dove in the areas we visited.

BLACK-WINGED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera)

A high altitude specialist that we saw well above Santiago on the first couple of days of the tour.

WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda)

A species that has been expanding its range slowly into the areas we visit.

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)

Seen every day on our tour.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Spot-winged Pigeon may be a common species, but it sure is handsome. Participant Sid England captured this image of one in perfect light.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)

This funky looking species was seen a few times during our visit to the province of Mendoza.

Apodidae (Swifts)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)

A group of birds seen flying high near Salentein Winery

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

GREEN-BACKED FIRECROWN (Sephanoides sephaniodes)

This species migrates out of the areas we visit right around the time of our tour so we were lucky to see them twice.

RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus)

Present in good numbers around our lodge at Salentein. We had several good looks at these stunning hummingbirds.

WHITE-SIDED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus leucopleurus)

A high altitude specialist that we saw well on a couple of occasions near Santiago.

GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas gigas)

Giant indeed. These hummers are so large that they seem to fly in slow motion and we had great looks at them.

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)

Usually the most abundant species in Mendoza but this year they were outnumbered and outstaged by the Red-tailed Comets

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)

Excellent views on the grounds of our hotel in Uspallata.

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

Another surprise that we picked up at Piletones Paramillo

RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons)

RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata)

The most abundant species of Coot we saw on the tour.

WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera)

Far less numerous than the other two coots we saw but we managed to find one at Piletones Paramillo

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The Cellars at Santa Rita Winery are a national monument of Chile. Photo by participant Randy Beaton.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus)

Good looks along the coast in Chile, but some friends who are researching the species are concerned about the reproductive success of the species as most of their nesting areas struggle with feral dogs.

BLACKISH OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ater)

Good views side by side with the American Oystercatcher in Viña del Mar for comparison between the two species.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (CHILENSIS/FRETENSIS) (Vanellus chilensis chilensis)

common and widespread

DIADEMED SANDPIPER-PLOVER (Phegornis mitchellii)

This one made us work hard for it but our efforts were rewarded with excellent views of this high Andean dweller. One of the highlights of the trip.

Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)

GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus)

These discreet birds can be hard to spot some times but they were present in good numbers at Yeso and we saw them again at Aconcagua Provincial Park in Argentina

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

Great looks at these North American visitors on the rocky shores of Viña del Mar

HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica)

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)

Several individuals foraging on the rocks near the Marine life research institute.

SURFBIRD (Calidris virgata)

SANDERLING (Calidris alba)

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii)

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Participant Sid England captured this image of a Blackish Oystercatcher along the coast of Viña del Mar.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)

WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor)

Seen in good numbers at Piletones de Paramillo

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

BROWN-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus maculipennis)

Seen both in Chile and in Argentina

GRAY GULL (Leucophaeus modestus)

FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan)

It was wonderful to see hundreds of these with their pinkish tone. These birds would soon make their way to the US.

KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus)

The standard large gull in the area

INCA TERN (Larosterna inca)

This is certainly my favorite Tern and it was a treat to see them nesting on the walls right bellow the parking lot of our hotel. I spent hours looking at them from my room.

SOUTH AMERICAN TERN (Sterna hirundinacea)

SNOWY-CROWNED TERN (Sterna trudeaui)

ELEGANT TERN (Thalasseus elegans)

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Our hotel in Viña del Mar is located right along a stretch of rocky coastline. Scenes like this Inca Tern feeding a juvenile are easily captured through the windows of our rooms. Photo by Sid England.

BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)

Alway fun to watch. We had good looks at them at the mouth of the Maipo River.

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)

PERUVIAN BOOBY (Sula variegata)

A common species along the Coast in Viña del Mar

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

RED-LEGGED CORMORANT (Poikilocarbo gaimardi)

Restricted to the Coast but we saw good numbers of them around Viña del mar

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

The most common of the cormorants showing up both inland and on the Coast

GUANAY CORMORANT (Leucocarbo bougainvillii)

The scarcest of the three Cormorants we saw on the tour but we had good looks at them around Viña del Mar

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

PERUVIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus thagus)

Large, obvious and common around Viña del Mar but that did not stop us from having fun while watching them

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)

The South American version of the Great Blue Heron from North America. We had good looks at them.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

The most common member of the family on this tour

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Not a bird we get every trip but our visit to Piletones Paramillo produced a few individuals for us

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)

BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)

A bit of a surprise but we found them along the road in Argentina

BLACK-FACED IBIS (Theristicus melanopis)

Seen in the outskirts of Santiago as we made our way to Rio Clarillo National Park

Field Guides Birding Tours
We found this Mountain Caracara on our way from Chile to Argentina. Always a great bird to see! Photo by Sid England.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus)

Seen many times on our tour but the ones that were perched on the buildings at Valle Nevado and took off to pick up some thermal activity were unforgettable. What an amazing bird!

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

The most common species on our tour and one that we saw every day in Argentina and every day we spent near the coast in Chile

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)

A couple of sightings of this handsome species. Despite the fact that it occurs all the way from Northwest North America to Southeastern South America. it is a relatively scarce species in most places.

CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus)

HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)

Common in Chile

VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)

The standard Hawk on our our tour route and one that we saw on most days.

BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We had amazing looks at Andean Condor on our first day as we visited the ski resorts above Santiago. Participant Sid England captured this amazing shot as one of them flew right over our heads.
Strigidae (Owls)

AUSTRAL PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nana)

A great view of this minute species of owl on the first day of our tour at Farellones.

BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)

multiple sightings in Mendoza

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)

This species is often quite localized and we saw them well at Bosques de Telteca.

CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Dryobates mixtus)

Another scarce species of Woodpecker that we found at Bosques de Telteca.

STRIPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates lignarius)

Seen beautifully at Rio Clarillo National Park

GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)

A couple of sightings in Argentina

CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris) [*]

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)

After missing this species on our usual spots in Chile we picked one up in Argentina during our crossing of the Andes

CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)

The species was treated as a separate species from the northern birds for a long time but has now been lumped together again.

Field Guides Birding Tours
We had multiple good looks at Burrowing Parakeets. Participant Diane Nastase captured this excellent shot of a pair of them in flight.

CHIMANGO CARACARA (Milvago chimango)

The most common raptor both in Chile and in Argentina

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

As it is the case with many species that occur over a vast range, the American Kestrel has a large number of subspecies (17 to be precise). The birds we saw belong to the South American group and are of the cinnamominus subspecies.

APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Seen briefly as it flew by on the first day of the tour.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

MOUNTAIN PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aurifrons)

We had good looks at these unlikely mountain dwellers on the day we visited Embalse Yeso. They were moving around the area where we had our picnic lunch.

MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)

BURROWING PARAKEET (Cyanoliseus patagonus)

This is one of the coolest species that we saw in Mendoza and we had multiple good looks at them.

Field Guides Birding Tours
We had wonderful looks at Striped Woodpecker at Rio Clarillo National Park, and participant Sid England captured the moment beautifully.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)

MOUSTACHED TURCA (Pteroptochos megapodius) [E]

Seen well on our first day as we visited Farellones. This is one of many unique Tapaculos that inhabit Chile.

WHITE-THROATED TAPACULO (Scelorchilus albicollis) [E]

We had to change our itinerary as La Campana National Park was closed due to fire hazard but it turned out that we had an excellent day and we nailed the tapaculo at Quebrada de Cordova. I guess this is what the new itinerary looks like.;-)

CRESTED GALLITO (Rhinocrypta lanceolata)

Argentina also has its share of cool Tapaculos and we had excellent looks at this one during our time spent at Salentein Winery

DUSKY TAPACULO (Scytalopus fuscus) [E]

This one is more like the Tapaculos that many people are familiar with. Small, dark and hard to see but we had incredible looks at one during our visit to Rio Clarillo National Park

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

CREAMY-RUMPED MINER (Geositta isabellina)

We saw this species both in Chile and in Argentina. There are some studies being done on this bird and a future split is likely

SCIMITAR-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Drymornis bridgesii)

This is one of the coolest species of Woodcreeper that one can see and we had great looks at them in Mendoza while visiting Bosques de Telteca

NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)

Another species of Woodcreeper that Bosques de Telteca produced for us

BAND-TAILED EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus phoenicurus)

We had a bit of trouble locating this one as the area we used to visit for it has been closed off to public access but we found a new spot near Malargue and had good looks at one

CRAG CHILIA (Ochetorhynchus melanurus) [E]

Seen on our way to Embalse Yeso. This species is closely related to the Band-tailed Earthcreeper that we saw in Argentina

CHACO EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus certhioides)

Excellent views of this species near the entrance gate of Salentein

RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)

Fairly common in Argentina and completely absent from Chile. A great example of how the Andes acts as a barrier for many species

WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)

A species of marshy areas and although it is far more often heard than seen we managed to get a few of them in view

Field Guides Birding Tours
We saw two of the three species of plantcutters that exist in the world. This White-tipped Plantcutter was photographed by Sid England in Argentina.

BUFF-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes fuscus)

Seen in high altitude bogs both at Farellones and Yeso

GRAY-FLANKED CINCLODES (Cinclodes oustaleti)

We had this species side by side with the Buff-winged Cinclodes allowing us to compare the two species.

SEASIDE CINCLODES (Cinclodes nigrofumosus) [E]

This is certainly my favorite Cinclodes and we had excellent looks at them along the coast of Viña del Mar

THORN-TAILED RAYADITO (Aphrastura spinicauda)

We saw this intricately patterned furnarid both at Rio Clarillo National Park and at the mouth of th Maipo River

DES MURS'S WIRETAIL (Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii)

This was an added bonus to our tour due to the change in the itinerary that prevented us from going to La Campana National Park.

BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps)

We found this species on our way back from Malargue as we birded at Cuesta Los Terneros.

TUFTED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura platensis)

Seen at Bosques de Telteca

PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (AEGITHALOIDES) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides aegithaloides)

Seen both in Chile and in Argentina

LARK-LIKE BRUSHRUNNER (Coryphistera alaudina)

One of the last great birds we picked up on the Argentine portion of our tour. We found this great bird at General San Martin Park in the city of Mendoza

SHORT-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes baeri)

Seen at Bosques Telteca

CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta) [*]

SHARP-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes pyrrholeuca)

The most common canastero on our tour

STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)

Seen on our way to Malargue and later on at General San Martin Park in Mendoza

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Sid England captured this shot of a Stripe-crowned Spinetail, showing where it gets its name.

DUSKY-TAILED CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes humicola) [E]

Endemic to Chile and we had repeated good looks at them

PATAGONIAN CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes patagonica)

We found this species in the southern area of Mendoza Province as we moved into some Patagonian steppe

STEINBACH'S CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes steinbachi)

The most range restricted of the Canasteros we saw on our tour route

BROWN CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura lophotes)

Multiple looks at this cool species. Its song being a constant part of the soundscape of our lodge at Salentein

WHITE-THROATED CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura gutturalis)

Far less common than the Brown Cacholote but we had good looks at them near Salentein

PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)

Seen at Bosquest Telteca

SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila)

Multiple sightings in Argentina

RUFOUS-TAILED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rara)

Seen a couple of times in Chile

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra)

This is a widespread and somewhat common species but it is always a lot of fun to see them. What a little jewel of a bird!

YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris)

Multiple sightings in Mendoza

TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)

We saw this species in Chile

SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis)

Seen near our hotel at Uspallata

Field Guides Birding Tours
One of the highlights of the tour was this Diademed Sandpiper-Plover that group member Diane Nastase spotted and photographed.

TICKING DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx citreola) [*]

SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (CHILEAN) (Elaenia albiceps chilensis)

One of the most common passerines in the areas we birded around Santiago

WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda)

We saw this species near our lodge at Salentein

STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla)

Seen near Malargue and on our way back north towards the city of Mendoza

GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides)

Great looks at this speces around Cuesta Los Terneros

SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)

Seen at Bosques Telteca

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus)

We don't see this species every year but this year they were present in good numbers

SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus)

This is one of those birds that you never get tired of watching.

SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris)

Seen really well on our first day at Farellones

RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)

Also found at high altitude at Farellones

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Birding at Bosques de Telteca was one of the best birding experiences of the trip. Participant Randy Beaton captured our group enjoying the chaco habitat.

WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora)

Seen in Argentina as we crossed the Andes

BLACK-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola frontalis)

We saw this species on the Road to Embalse Yeso.

FIRE-EYED DIUCON (Pyrope pyrope)

This is a sharp looking flycatcher that we saw well in Chile

BLACK-CROWNED MONJITA (Neoxolmis coronatus)

Great looks at this handsome flycatcher at Bosques de Telteca

BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)

After missing this species at our usual spots in Chile we found one individual in Argentina

GRAY-BELLIED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis micropterus)

We found this species near the guards station at Laguna Llancanelo

SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

Seen at Bosques Telteca

CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)

Seen Particularly well at General San Martin Park in Mendoza

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

Common in Argentinha

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)

Seen on most days in Argentina

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (PATAGONICA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca patagonica)

SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)

Very similar to the Purple Martin

CHILEAN SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucopyga)

Surprisingly low numbers of this species that is usually more common along our tour route

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

We had a few individuals at Piletones Paramillo

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)

GRASS WREN (AUSTRAL) (Cistothorus platensis hornensis)

A recent split from the Sedge Wren

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

CHILEAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus thenca) [E]

A Chilean endemic but a common species in its range

PATAGONIAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus patagonicus)

This was the common species on the Argentine portion of the tour

CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)

WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus)

The least common of the Mockingbirds but the most distinctive one. We had good looks at them in Mendoza

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)

Common at General San Martin Park in Mendoza City

AUSTRAL THRUSH (Turdus falcklandii)

The only species of Thrush we saw in Chile

Field Guides Birding Tours
Birding with Mount Aconcagua as a backdrop is an unforgetable experience, which participant Randy Beaton captured nicely in this shot.

CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)

Seen both in Uspallata and Mendoza city.

CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco)

Seen almost every day in Argentina

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera)

Several sightings on the Mendoza portion of our tour

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

Common in Argentina, we had excellent looks at them around the gardens of our hotel in Uspallata

YELLOW-RUMPED SISKIN (Spinus uropygialis)

Seen well at Embalse Yeso

BLACK-CHINNED SISKIN (Spinus barbatus)

We found this species on our first day at Farellones.

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)

Seen every day on our tour.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

LONG-TAILED MEADOWLARK (Leistes loyca)

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

AUSTRAL BLACKBIRD (Curaeus curaeus)

A Chilean endemic that is very common. Even in cities.

GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)

Common in Argentina and a major part of the dawn chorus at our hotel in Uspallata

YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

RINGED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus torquatus)

Excellent looks in the patch of habitat behind our lodge at Salentein

BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Rauenia bonariensis)

There aren't many colorful birds in the Argentine desert but this one tries to make up for all the others

GRAY-HOODED SIERRA FINCH (Phrygilus gayi)

Very common in Chile

DIUCA FINCH (Diuca diuca)

Common and abundant both in Chile and Argentina

PLUMBEOUS SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)

We found one of these discreet Sierra Finches around Embalse Yeso

MOURNING SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina fruticeti)

BAND-TAILED SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina alaudina)

Seen both at Farellones and Embalse Yeso. Like most Sierra finches they prefer higher altitudes

CINNAMON WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza ornata)

A nomadic species that can be hard to find but we connected with one at Bosques de Telteca

GREATER YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis auriventris)

SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)

Seen at the General San Martin Park in Mendoza City

GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)

Common around the Pampas Grass at Laguna Llancanelo

GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra platensis)

Seen near our hotel at Uspallata

DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)

BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)

MANY-COLORED CHACO FINCH (Saltatricula multicolor)

Much more present this year than on past tours.

GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)

Seen at Bosques de Telteca.


MAMMALS

PICHI (Zaedyus pichiy)

We had a brief look at this tiny armadillo near Laguna Llancanelo

OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (Lepus europaeus)

SOUTHERN CAVY (Microcavia australis)

SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium viscacia)

We had a couple of individuals at Farellones

DUSKY DOLPHIN (Lagenorhynchus obscurus)

Seen from our Hotel in Viña del Mar

SOUTHERN SEA LION (Otaria byronia)

GUANACO (Lama guanicoe)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We had an amazing selection of wines with our meals and during winery tours. Below you will find a list of the wines we sampled. Photo by participant Randy Beaton.


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Miguel Torres, Santa Digna Reserva 2022, Sauvignon Blanc. Central Valley

Cousiño Macul, Don Luis Reserva 2022, Sauvignon Blanc,

Miguel Torres, Las mulas 2022, Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley

Miguel Torres, Las mulas 2021, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley

Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha 2021, Chardonnay, Limari Valley

Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha 2019, Merlot, Maule Valley

Concha Y Toro, Terrunyo Carmenere 2019, Cachapoal Valley

Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha 2019, Syrah, Maipo Valley

Concha Y Toro, Terrunyo Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Maipo Valley

Santa Rita, Medalla Real Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Casablanca Valley

Santa Rita, Medalla Real Reserva Carmenere 2018, Rapel Valley

Santa Rita, Medalla Real Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Leyda Valley

Carmen, Winemaker’s Black Blend 2020, Colchagua Valley

Ungrafted Vines, Cabernario No.8 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Maipo Valley

Santa Rita, Triple C Blend 2019, Maipo Valley

Viñedos de Alcohuaz, Cuesta Chica de Alcouaz Garnacha 2020, Elqui Valley

Miguel Torres, Cordillera Reserva Especial, Chardonnay 2020 Limari Valley

Tabalí, Talinay, Chardonnay 2017, Limari Valley

Lapostolle, Grand Selection, Carmenere 2020, Colchagua Valley

Budeguer, 4000 Blue Blend, Blend 2020, Lujan de Cuyo

Budeguer, Siempre Tengo un Plan B, Blend 2022, Lujan de Cuyo

German Blanco, La Ultima Copa, Malbec 2022, Uco Valley

Carmen, Frida Khalo Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Central Valley

Salentein, Single Vineyard (San Pablo) Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Primus Pinot Noir 2019, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Primus Malbec 2020, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Reserve Rose 2022, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Reserve Cabernet Franc 2021, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Numina Petit Verdot 2020, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

La Azul, El Buscapleito Cabernet Franc 2020, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

La Azul, Azul Reserva Blend 2020, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

La Azul, Azul Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

La Azul, Azul Gran Reserva Malbec – Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Single Vineyard (Los Jabalies) Pinot Noir 2019, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Single Vineyard (Las Secuoyas) Chardonnay 2019, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Salentein, Alyda Brut Nature Cuveé Prestige, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

FOW, Efusivo Sauvignon Blanc 2022, San Rafael. Mendoza

Santa Julia, Alambrado Malbec 2021, Maipú. Mendoza

La Azul, El Buscapleito Bonarda 2020, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Bodega Atamisque, Serbal Malbec Rose 2022, Tupungato Valley

La Azul, Gran Syrah 2018, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Huentala Wines, Sombrero Sauvignon Blanc, Valle de Uco. Mendoza

Viña Cobos, Felino Red Blend 2019, Lujan de Cuyo. Mendoza

Ernesto Catena Vineyards, Padrillos Rose, 2020. Mendoza

Pascual Toso, Magdalena Toso Red Blend 2020. Mendoza

Garces Silva, Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Leyda Valley

Garces Silva, Amayna Pinot Noir 2020, Leyda Valley

Matetic Vineyards, Corralillo Gewustraminer 2022, San Antonio Valley

Matetic Vineyards, EQ Cool Climate Syrah 2017, Rosario Valley

Matetic Vineyards, Corralillo Late Harvest 2021, Aconcagua Valley

Montes, Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Zapallar

Casas del Bosque, Gran Reserva Syrah 2019

Vina Mar, Extra Brut Sparkling, Valle de Casablanca

Vina Mar, Brut Unique Sparkling, Valle de Casablanca

La Celia, Reserva Pinot Grigio 2020, Uco Valley

Leyda, Reserva Pinot Noir 2022. Leyda Valley

Tarapaca, Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Maipo Valley

Leyda, Coastal Vineyards Chardonnay 2020, Leyda Valley

Vina Mar, Moscato Sparkling, Casablanca Valley

Vina Mar, Demi Sec Sparkling, Casablanca Valley

San Pedro, Tierras Morada Carmenere 2020, Maule Valley

Totals for the tour: 205 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa