The area around El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier in southern Patagonia is not only famous for its ice and mountains — it is also a great place for birdwatching. Within Los Glaciares National Park and nearby wetlands, grasslands, lakes, and shorelines host a wide variety of bird species, from impressive waterfowl to tiny songbirds.

Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or casual traveler, here’s a guide to some of the most interesting birds you may spot during your visit.

Water Birds & Waterfowl

We can find:

Coscoroba Swan

A medium-sized swan that is mostly white and occasionally seen in lakes and marshes around El Calafate.

Black-necked Swan

Large, elegant swans with distinctive black necks and white bodies. Often seen on lakes and calm waters.

Upland Goose

Common in Patagonian grasslands and near the shores, these large geese stand out with their contrasting plumage.

Flying Steamer-Duck & Other Anatids

The region hosts a number of duck species, including flying steamer-ducks, crested ducks, and red shovelers near lakes and lagoons.

Birds of the Grasslands (Patagonian Steppe) & Open Areas

Lesser Rhea

A large, flightless bird similar to an ostrich that walks the Patagonian steppe.

Austral Negrito

A small flycatcher-like bird often seen in open grassland areas; males are mostly dark with rufous tones.

Correndera Pipit

A slender ground-dwelling bird that can be seen hunting insects in open fields and grassy plains.

Songbirds & Forest Birds

Patagonian Mockingbird

A common songbird with a lively call, often seen perched on shrubs and low trees around El Calafate.

Long-tailed Meadowlark

A brightly colored bird often seen in grasslands singing from fence posts and grasses.

Sharp-billed Canastero & Other Tyrants

These small, active birds are typical of Patagonian shrublands and open areas.

Raptors and Larger Birds

Andean Condor

One of the largest flying birds in the world, soaring on thermals above the Andes and glacial landscapes (occasionally seen from the region).

Magellanic Woodpecker (Nearby Regions)

Though more typical of forested areas like El Chaltén, the impressive Magellanic woodpecker — one of the largest woodpeckers in the Americas — may be heard drumming in nearby forests.

Best Places to Look for Birds

Lago Argentino Shorelines & Nimez Reserve

Just outside El Calafate, the Parque Natural Municipal El Nimez has easy trails and hides, making it one of the best spots for seeing waterfowl, flamingos, swans, and other birds. Over 80 species have been recorded here alone.

Steppe Near National Park Roads

Driving towards Perito Moreno Glacier you may spot rheas, geese, and grassland specialists along the roadside and wide open landscapes.

Walkways and Lakes Within Los Glaciares National Park

Lakes, slow streams, and shorelines around the glacier offer quieter bird encounters, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Tips for Birdwatchers

• Bring binoculars — many birds are distant or blend into the landscape.

• Go early or late — cooler parts of the day are when birds are most active.

• Visit water-rich areas — lakes, marshes, and lagoons attract the greatest variety.

• Be patient and quiet — subtle movements and bird calls can lead to great sightings.

 

Bird Diversity in Patagonia

Patagonia as a whole hosts nearly 300 bird species, making it one of the continent’s most rewarding regions for birdwatching. Species here range from powerful raptors like the condor to colorful waterbirds and tiny insect-eating songbirds.

Bird Checklist – El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier

Common bird species you may see in and around El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park, and Perito Moreno Glacier.

This checklist highlights the most frequently observed birds in the region’s lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and open steppe. Sightings vary by season, weather, and location.

Water Birds & Wetland Species

☐ Black-necked Swan
☐ Coscoroba Swan
☐ Chilean Flamingo
☐ Flying Steamer-Duck
☐ Crested Duck
☐ Red Shoveler
☐ Silver Teal
☐ Yellow-billed Pintail
☐ Great Grebe
☐ Silvery Grebe
☐ Kelp Gull

Best places to spot them:
Lago Argentino shoreline, Nimez Lagoon Reserve, lakes inside Los Glaciares National Park.

Grassland & Steppe Birds

☐ Lesser Rhea
☐ Upland Goose
☐ Ashy-headed Goose
☐ Magellanic Oystercatcher
☐ Correndera Pipit
☐ Austral Negrito
☐ Long-tailed Meadowlark
☐ Patagonian Yellow-Finch

Best places to spot them:
Roads toward Perito Moreno Glacier, open Patagonian steppe, ranchlands and grasslands.

Shrubland & Songbirds

☐ Patagonian Mockingbird
☐ Austral Thrush
☐ Rufous-collared Sparrow
☐ Black-chinned Siskin
☐ Sharp-billed Canastero
☐ Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail

Best places to spot them:
Shrubby areas near El Calafate, park trails, forest edges.

Raptors & Large Birds

☐ Andean Condor
☐ Southern Caracara
☐ Chimango Caracara
☐ Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle
☐ American Kestrel

Best places to spot them:
Cliffs, thermals above valleys, open landscapes and mountain areas.

Forest & Wooded Area Birds (Nearby regions)

☐ Magellanic Woodpecker (more common near El Chaltén)

☐ Austral Parakeet
☐ Thorn-tailed Rayadito