The stunning Many-colored Rush Tyrant gave amazing views during the tour (all photos by DLV).

ULTIMATE CHILE

12 - 26 / 31 OCTOBER 2019

LEADER: DANI LOPEZ-VELASCO

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com This year´s Chile tour was quite possibly our most successful ever to this fantastic country. Once again, our Ultimate Chile tour produced all of the mainland Chilean endemics, with great views of both Chestnut-throated and Black-throated Huet-Huets, an astonishing wader spectacle of 41 (¡!) , including Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Magellanic Plover, Peruvian Thick-knee, Tawny-throated and Rufous-chested Dotterels and Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. Our two main pelagics, and various ferry crossings, delivered 19 species of tubenoses with highlights of Southern and Northern Royal and Buller´s Albatrosses, many Pincoya Storm- Petrels off Chiloe and hundreds of Markham´s and a single Ringed (Hornby´s) Storm-Petrels off Iquique. Seeing all 4 possible , including the extremely rare Patagonian, as well as Ornate, Puna and Chilean, was a real highlight too. In all, we observed an all-time record 321 species, plus some 21 species of mammal, amongst which a total of 11 (yes, ELEVEN) PUMAS clearly stands out. As we travelled almost the entire spine of Chile we sampled three major biomes including several vast wilderness areas, from the Atacama desert to the high Andes and through Patagonian forests to the Magellanic and Fuegian tundra steppe. Other unforgettable highlights, from north to south, included, the critically endangered Chilean Woodstar, the recently discovered in Chile Raimondi´s Yellow Finch, the very rare Peruvian Martin, Tamarugo Conebill, White-throated and Straight-billed Earthcreepers, Tschudi´s Nightjar, Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy Owl, Andean and James's Flamingos, White-throated Sierra Finch, Golden-spotted Ground Dove, White-tailed Shrike- Tyrant, Thick-billed Siskin, Slender-billed Parakeet, Moustached Turca, Austral Pygmy Owl, Chucao, White- throated, Magellanic and Ochre-flanked Tapaculos, Magellanic Woodpecker, Creamy-rumped Miner, Crag Chilia, Rosy-billed Pochard, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Chilean Seaside Cinclodes, Burrowing Parrot, Spectacled Duck, White-throated Hawk, Rufous-legged and Magellanic Horned Owls, Des Murs’ Wiretail and the recently split Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper, amongst others. For many, the extension was the cherry topping, with a visit to South America's only King Penguin colony, Ruddy-headed Goose, Magellanic Plover, both dotterels, White-bridled and Yellow-bridled Finches, Band-tailed Earthcreeper, Chocolate-vented Tyrant, White-throated Caracara and Great Shrike-Tyrant, not to mention the impressive scenery of Torres del Paine. We enjoyed good weather almost throughout including the notorious extreme south. Accommodations were very comfortable, our logistics ran smoothly in spite of the incidents taking place in the country at the same time as the tour, and we enjoyed tasty local cuisine and fine wines which lead to a hugely successful tour.

2 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com The birding started out of Iquique (after a long dicussion when trying to get some coffee at the airport), making a stop along the coast to see our first Belcher´s and Grey Gulls, Red-legged Cormorants, Peruvian Boobies, a brief Chilean Seaside Cinclodes and a small group of Humboldt Penguins, amongst other things. After a short drive we reached the tamarugo woodlands surrounded by barren Atacama desert. Our prime target was the very localized Tamarugo Conebill which was singing in the nearest tree as soon as we stepped out of the bus. After enjoying many views of several , we shot back to the coast where there was plenty of action with Blackish and American Oystercatchers, vast numbers of mewing Grey Gulls, as well as Belcher's and a few Kelp Gulls. Peruvian Boobies and Elegant and Inca Terns flew past as we scoped Whimbrels, with some Surfbirds mixed with Ruddy Turnstones and Willets. A feeding frenzy close to shore had a lot of seabirds, terns and gulls in attendance, including hundreds of phalaropes and a small flock of Sabine´s Gulls, first picked out by Matthew.

Red-legged Cormorants

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We went on a very enjoyable pelagic trip next morning. Colourful Inca Terns and Red-legged Cormorants adorned the port as we departed in calm seas which is typical at this latitude. Peruvian Diving Petrels were the first tubenoses to show and we managed to see some very, very well this morning. As we cruised to deeper waters, good numbers of Peruvian Boobies, Peruvian Pelicans, a couple of Parasitic Jaegers, a distant adult Long-tailed Jaeger, Red and Red-necked Phalaropes and Sooty Shearwaters all flew past the boat, and we soon added some Pink-footed Shearwaters. Numbers of storm petrels started to increase, first with a few Elliot's Storm Petrels, followed, as we reached deeper water, by hundreds (yes, an estimated 800+ during the trip) of Markham´s Storm Petrels. Flocks of this usually rare were everywhere, and much to our surprise, and delight, I found a cracking Ringed (Hornby´s) Storm Petrel mixed with them, which gave great views. This is a very rarely seen species here, so we were extremely happy with our sighting. Our chum pulled in 2 Salvin's Albatrosses too, as well as a White-chinned Petrel, amongst others things. South American Terns, Chilean Skuas, an adult Sabine´s Gull, some Guanay Cormorants and, best of all, a flock of Peruvian Terns, provided the supporting cast on our return to port. We checked the nearby rocky shoreline and found a nice Chilean Seaside Cinclodes. Heading north through the bleak, and astonishing, Atacama, we finally reached a birdy oasis valley. Here, a smart Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant and some Slender-billed Finches were found at the first stop. A second stop finally us a much wanted Chilean Woodstar, which gave terrific views. We went deeper in the valley, and eventually found some large flocks of Raimondi´s Yellow Finch. This species was thought to be an uncommon Peruvian endemic until they were found here a couple years ago. Also in the area we saw Barn and American Cliff and Sand Martins and Spot-billed Ground Tyrant.

Markham´s Storm Petrel off Iquique.

Soon after dawn, we visited the Lluta river mouth, which was alive with birds. Thousands of Elegant Terns and Grey, Belcher´s and Kelp Gulls sat on the beach, while Cinnamon Teal, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Black- crowned Night Heron, Common Gallinule, Semipalmated, American Golden and Grey Plovers, Killdeer, Sanderling, Semipalmated, Least and Spotted Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, Andean Gull and Peruvian Meadowlark were all present. Of special note was a first winter Solitary Sandpiper that dropped from the sky and gave great views, as it was only the 4th for Chile! 2 Roseate Spoonbills and an immature Grey-hooded Gull were good additions too, but definitely the best bird here was Peruvian Martin. A flock of 7 birds appeared with some hirundines flying over the bridge, giving terrific and close views for a couple of minutes, before dissapearing. We then checked some nearby fields, where a Peruvian Thick-knee gave excellent views. The

4 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Azapa valley was our next port of call where we had fantastc views of male and female Peruvian Sheartails, as well as Oasis Hummingbird. Other birds seen included Hooded Siskin, Vermillion Flycatcher, Bran-colored Flycatcher and Chestnut-throated Seedeater. A bit higher up, we spent considerable time looking for Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy Owl, to no avail. Further on we came across some Greyish Miners. Reaching the Andean shrub zone, the birding became much more prolific with Bare-faced Ground Dove, Mourning and Ash-breasted Sierra Finches, Canyon and Dark-winged Canasteros, Straight-billed Eathcreeper, Streak-backed Tit- Spinetail, Yellow-billed Tit Tyrant and Greenish Yellow Finch. Then, in the town of Putre we quickly connected with Spot-winged Pigeons.

Peruvian Thick-knee from Arica.

Early next morning we birded around town, seeing several Andean Hillstars, a pair of uncommon and very cooperative White-throated Earthcreepers, Cream-winged Cinclodes, Chiguanco Thrush, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Black-hooded Sierra Finch, Yellow-billed Tit Tyrant, Band-tailed Seedeater and amazing Giant Hummingbirds; often mistaken for a bird not remotely related to hummingbirds e.g. a martin or even a falcon. Lauca National Park was next, and it certainly didn´t dissapoint. On the way up, we managed to find some Ornate Tinamous next to the road. At the first stop, we already located one of our major targets, a pair of White-throated Sierra Finches, that gave great views. Next to them, a single Grey- breasted Seedsnipe and a flock of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipes delighted us, and then Tonya found us a family of much-wanted Puna Tinamous. Briliant! We moved on, and thankfully It didnt take long to have an iconic Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, picked out by Alain, set in the scope for full-frame views. This fantastic species was the most-wanted bird of the trip for some of the participants, and luckily we enjoyed terrific views of an adult in a bog amidst some very impressive scenery. Pressure off, especially now that El Yeso, the traditional site for the species in Central Chile, is not accessible anymore.

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White-throated Sierra Finch and Golden-spotted Ground Dove at Lauca NP.

6 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com The first lakes held Andean Gull, Andean Goose, Crested Duck, Puna Ibis and Yellow-billed Teal, while Andean Flicker, White-winged Cinclodes, Puna and White-fronted Ground Tyrants, Puna Miner, Andean Negrito, Black Siskin and White-winged Diuca Finches were also spotted. A next lake stop provided us with good numbers of Andean and James's Flamingoes among a multitude of Chilean Flamingoes. We then visited another spot and, after some searching, finally located a pair of rare Golden-spotted Ground Doves. In the same area we also saw a rare White-tailed Shrike Tyrant. After lunch we visited another lake, at 4500 metres, that produced abundant Giant Coots, Silvery and White-tufted Grebes, Andean Ducks, Puna Teal, Andean Lapwing, Wilson´s Phalarope, Andean Avocet and some Puna Plovers. As we headed back to Putre we enjoyed closer views of all flamingos, and, even better, 3 close Puna Rheas. In the evening we enjoyed good views of a couple of Band-winged Nightjars near our accommodation. It had been a truly fantastic day!

Lauca NP.

Next morning we left Putre quite early. A flock of Mountain Parakeets gave excellent views perched up on a bush, and some Tarucas (Northern Huemul), a type of deer, were good too. We stopped for more looks at a confiding Straight-billed Earthcreeper, and then drove to a patch of Polylepis forest. We spent some time in that special , and found a pair of rare Thick-billed Siskins, another pair of Yellow-rumped Siskins – both photographed, D ´Orbignys Chat-Tyrant and a Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant for some. On the way back to Arica we made another stop for Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy Owl, and this time we were rewarded with great views of a singing bird. In the afternoon, we paid another visit to Lluta river mouth. The usual suspects were present and this time we found a breeding-plumaged Laughing Gull, a rarity in Chile! After dinner we went to search for Tschudi´s Nightjar, and one gave excellent views.

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White-throated and Straight-billed Earthcreepers from the Putre area.

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Band-winged (Andean) and Tschudi´s Nightjars from the North.

After a morning flight to Santiago, we were quickly on our way to the coast where Chimango Caracara, Austral Thrush, Common Diuca Finch and Long-tailed Meadowlark adorned the carpark, as Chilean Swallows foraged overhead. The beach and estuary held a throng of shorebirds, gulls and terns including 3 most-wanted Snowy- crowned Terns, Grey Plover, Hudsonian Godwit, White-backed Stilt, Semipalmated Sandpipers, a single Western Sandpiper –yet another good rarity in Chile!-, Plumbeous Rail, Brown-hooded Gull and hundreds of Black Skimmers. The reeds were not very birdy due to the strong winds, but we had some brief Many-coloured Rush Tyrants, showy Spectcled Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Fire-eyed Diucon, Yellow-winged Blackbird and Grassland Yellow Finch. Our next lake stop was teaming with waterfowl including

9 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans, Red Shoveler, Yellow-billed Pintail, Lake Duck and the often elusive Black-headed Duck as well as Pied-billed, White-tufted, Great and Silvery Grebes and Red-gartered, Red- fronted and White-winged Coots. On the way back to the hotel, a stop in a small reedbed gave us excellent views of the uncommon Stripe-backed Bittern.

Stripe-backed Bittern and Rufous-tailed Plantcutter (Matthew Matthiessen and DLV).

10 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Soon after dawn we set out on our second pelagic out of Valparaiso. We were soon watching many Peruvian Diving Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters and growing numbers of Pink-footed Shearwaters. White-chinned and Westland Petrels soon made their appearance but it was the albatrosses that ruled the waves and stole the show, with large numbers of Salvin's and Black-browed's and repeated superb views of several Buller´s and 3 massive Southern Royal Albatrosses as well as 1 Northern Royal Albatross. WOW! A De Filippi´s Petrel gave reasonable views too. It was then time to head back to harbour. After a good lunch we headed inland towards the highest reaches of La Campana national park. A short walk gave us excellent views of Chilean endemic Dusky-tailed Canastero as well as possibly Chile's toughest endemic, White-throated Tapaculo, while a calling Dusky Tapaculo remained hidden. Common species such as Plain-mantled Tit Spinetail and Chilean Elaenia were also logged.

Salvin´s Albatross off Valparaiso.

11 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Next morning we enjoyed good views of Chilean Pigeon, Chilean Mockingbird, Striped Woodpecker and Chilean Flicker. Dusky Tapaculos were silent though. Next on the agenda was Batuco Lake, where we saw masses of waterfowl, including some Rosy-billed Pochards, while an unexpected Andean Condor flew over. We also enjoyed fantastic views of several Many-colored Rush Tyrants. In the afternoon we paid a visit to the lower parts of the Yeso valley. Here, we saw a nice Torrent Duck, and, best of all, a confiding Moustached Turca.

Moustached Turca and Andean Condor.

12 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Next morning we were back in the high Andes, this time above Santiago, at Farellones. Things started well, with excellent scope views of a Chilean , a tricky species to see. We then tried for Crag Chilia, but it was nowhere to be found, although a White-sided Hillstar was a good bonus. Further up, we saw our first Greater Yellow Finch, Sharp-billed Canastero, White-browed Ground Tyrants and Scale-throated Earthcreeper. At the upper ski resort we found some Black-fronted Ground Tyrants, a few Andean Condors and after some walking, a very confiding Creamy-rumped Miner. In the mammal front, we saw some nice endemic Coruros.

Creamy-rumped and Rufous-banded Miners from Farellones.

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Greater Yellow Finch and Culpeo Fox.

After lunch, we found a pair of roosting Magellanic (Lesser) Horned Owls, as well as Grey-flanked Cinclodes and Rufous-banded Miner. A final stop at the Crag Chilia spot was eventually succesful, finding a bird just as we were about to leave. The day was not over though, as on the drive down we saw first 3 Culpeos, followed by a cracking Austral Pygmy Owl sitting on a tree next to the road. What a day!

14 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Heading south to Vilches, we were soon veering back into the Andes, stopping en route at the Maule Valley. 2 pairs of splendid Bronze-winged (Spectacled) Duck were seen, as well as a male Torrent Duck, and, most important, some stunning Burrowing Parrots of the very local chilean race at their breeding cliffs, giving great views and photo opportunities. The magnificent Patagonian forest of Vilches delivered Green-backed Firecrown, Austral Parakeet, abundant Thorn-tailed Rayaditos and smart White-throated Treerunners. Our only White-throated Hawk flew over us too, and we glimpsed a Chestnut-throated Huet-Huet. At night, we had unbeatable views of a singing Rufous-legged Owl.

Burrowing Parrot and Rufous-legged Owl from the Vilches area.

15 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com At dawn we were back on the case of the huet-huet, and we succeeded in getting pretty good views of a pair, although the birds were quite shy and it took some time. A singing Chucao Tapaculo was much more obliging though, and a singing Patagonian Tyrant was much appreciated too. We then visited a nearby hotel that had lots of firecrowns in the feeders, and as luck would have it, a cracking male Magellanic Woodpecker showed up, giving fantastic views much to everyone´s delight. We continued our journey, and we finally reached the Chillan thermal springs. We did some birding in the afternoon, seeing a pair of fantastic Des Mur's Wiretails.

A confiding Chucao Tapaculo.

Next morning started with Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper at 2 different sites, with one singing from the top of a tree and giving terrific views. A confiding Magellanic Tapaculo was much appreciated too. The very long drive to Puyehue was puntuated by hundreds of Black-faced Ibis.

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Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper.

Our morning, and a large part of the day, at Puyehue was dominated by the glorious tapaculos when we all managed to get to grips with a couple of very confiding Black-throated Huet-huets, some equally tame Chucao Tapaculos and some good views of Ochre-flanked Tapaculo. A singing Austral Pygmy Owl was also seen. After an absolutely superb buffet lunch, we went for a walk in the garden, and tracked down a group of esplendid endemic Slender-billed Parakeets at very close quarters! An Aplomado Falcon was also seen overhead.

Black-throated Huet-Huet.

17 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Next morning we drove towards Chiloe. 3 ferry crossings produced good numbers of the hoped-for Pincoya Storm Petrel, much to everyone´s delight, as well as Magellanic Diving Petrels. Once in the island, we had good looks at several “Chiloe” Steamer Ducks –not yet officially described-, and we continued on to Ancud. Finally, we set sail for the penguin colonies appreciating close-ups of mixed Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins as well as several Kelp Geese, Rock Shags, a single Dolphin Gull and nesting Red-legged Cormorant; arguably the world's most stunning cormorant. Then the weather started to deteriorate, so we headed back.

Hudsonian Godwit and Baird´s Sandpiper.

18 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com In the morning we had good looks at Plumbeous Rail, Snowy-crowned Tern, Ringed Kingfisher of the local patagonian form, while hundreds of Hudsonian Godwits and Red Knots were visible on roadside pools before we returned to port. A Correndera Pipit was well spotted by Hermann. During the ferry crossing we saw a couple more Pincoya Storm Petrels. Our main tour ended in Puerto Montt, and those taking the extension flew to Punta Arenas, where we landed at dusk.

Short-eared Owl.

Next morning, we did a bit of birding in a wetland area near town. Plenty of waterfowl and Upland Geese were around, and we managed to find a single Ruddy-headed Goose and a pair of Ashy-headed Goose. A Short- eared Owl put on a good display, and South American Snipe, Magellanic Oystercatcher and Austral Negritos were also around. Once aboard the ferry to Tierra del Fuego, we saw a few Wilson' s Storm-Petrels, a lot of Southern Fulmars, a few Magellanic Diving Petrels, good numbers Black-browed Albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels and a single Northern Giant Petrel, as well as many Chilean Skuas. Once at Porvenir we set out

19 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com into the steppe. A stunning Rufous-chested Dotterel obliged at length, as did some Two-banded Plovers. Our final destination was the only King Penguin breeding ground in South America and we were not to be dissappointed when viewing more than 50 birds, including adults and chicks. It was a unique experience, and there were smiles all around, and where we also connected with close ups of many White-rumped Sandpipers and some Short-billed Miners. Then we headed back to town, making another stop, in a nearby lake. The most unique shorebird on the planet (afforded its own , not just Family) was our next target. It didn´t take long before Richard had found us a pair of these stunning birds. We decided to get closer, but all of a sudden they had vanished –they are masters in doing that! It took some time before we relocated them again, and then we enjoyed point-blank views in the evening light. What a bird and what a fantastic way to end up the day! Also in the area we saw our only Patagonian Yellow Finch of the trip.

Magellanic Plover near Porvenir.

The ferry crossing next morning was a bit rough, and not much was seen, except for a brief pair of Commerson's Dolphin's. Back on the northern straits, we headed towards Torres del Paine through the back roads, searching for the very rare Patagonian Tinamou -only very recently discovered here in Chile - on the way. As expected, no tinamous were found at the first spot. We were then driving along the main road before the Pali-Aike turn off when, miraculously, I spotted 2 tinamous in the middle of a field next to the road. We stopped and had absolutely fantastic scope views of a group of 3 birds. WOW! Very pleased with this sighting, we moved on. It wasn't long before we connected with our first superb Chocolate-vented Tyrants, and numerous Lesser Rheas and Least Seedsnipes before we chanced upon a couple of pairs of stunning Tawny- throated Dotterels. Our Band-tailed Earthcreeper site came up trumps once again with eventual point blank views. However it was the shear numbers of the gorgeous White-bridled Finch that were astounding; often being a difficult bird to find, we managed to see large flocks during a long stretch of road! After a very long day, full of bird highlights, we eventually made it to our wonderful hotel in Torres del Paine.

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White-bridled (Canary-winged) Finch and 2 very rare Patagonian Tinamous.

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Sunrise at Torres del Paine.

We set off very early, and watched a magnificent sunrise over the “Torres”, which turned red for a while. We kept driving until I noticed some Guanacos behaving a bit excited. I told the driver to stop, and decided to scan the slope, just in case… Well, It turned out to be a wise thing to do, as almost instantly I spotted a big male PUMA walking in front of us. We all had incredible scope views of this most-wanted mammal, and thought how lucky we had been… But this was only the beginning! We carried on, and made another stop. Some birds were around, but then all of a sudden Alain found 2 more pumas, very close to us. They happened to be 2 young ones, which gave terrific views yet again. An Austral Canastero was a new bird for us, although we were more excited by the pumas… Next on the agenda was the tricky Austral Rail. We shouldn´t have worried, as, again, this normally difficult bird gave incredible views out in the open. The scenery of the park was mind blowing, and the day couldnt have been any better: sun, bright blue skies and NO wind at all – something very rare here!-.A variety of magnificent views of the towers and other snow-covered peaks, guanaco covered heath with some amazing flowers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and icebergs was to follow along with a few impressive Andean Condors. To the east, the Sierra de Baguales, bordering Argentina was our next port of call. The rare White-throated Caracara was quickly found, and our next target, Yellow-bridled Finch, also gave walk-away views, with several birds feeding next to the track. A flock of very close condors, both on the ground and in flight, was a very impressive sight. As we drove back to our hotel, we found a Patagonian Mockingbird and a Great Shrike-Tyrant.

Next morning was absolutely epic, and we were definitely not prepared for it. Having seen all of our key birds in the park, we decided to drive a bit and see what we could find. Well, what we found was the following…first, 3 pumas directly next to our vehicle, perhaps 15 m away, giving incredible photo opportunities, followed by… an incredible “flock” of pumas –a female with 4 grown-up cubs- covering part of a hill, and making for an unforgettable, dream-like, sight. We watched, almost in disbelief, this family for as long as we wanted, and then it was time to start heading back towards Punta Arenas. A short stop in a forest gave us more views of Austral Pygmy Owl. At Punta Arenas we enjoyed our last lifer of the trip, a Fuegian Steamer Duck. Our last dinner, celebrating an unforgettable tour with great people, was a feast, with some incredibly tasty lamb and equally good pisco sours! Thanks everyone for making this trip such an enjoyable and succesful one.

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A truly magnificent Puma.

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The amazing Puma family we saw at Torres del Paine.

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The very difficult Peruvian Martin and a flock of Raimondi´s Yellow Finch from the north.

25 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

BIRDS

The species and family sequence, and species names follow the I.O.C. World Bird List which is available on- line at www.worldbirdnames.org/ Taxa which are split by the author of the principal fieldguide, but not by IOC, are noted.

Species which were not personally recorded by the leaders are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species which were only seen by the leader/s are indicated with (LO). There were no "heard only's" ! Species that were only seen on the tour extension are marked with (X).

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g. only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species.

Lesser Rhea (Puna R) Rhea [pennata] tarapacensis Seen very well at Lauca NP. Lesser Rhea (Darwin's R) Rhea [pennata] pennata (X) Abundant in the far south (pennata). Nothoprocta ornata Great looks above Putre. ◊ pentlandii Fantastic views of a family at Lauca NP. Patagonian Tinamou ◊ Tinamotis ingoufi 3 East of Punta Arenas. RARE! ◊ Nothoprocta perdicaria Great looks at Farellones.

Ornate Tinamou from Putre.

California Quail (Intr) Calipepla californica Regular encounters in C Chile. Coscoroba Swan ◊ Coscoroba coscoroba Scarce in C Chile; abundant from Chiloe southwards.

26 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Black-necked Swan ◊ Cygnus melanocoryphus Abundant from Chiloe south.

Puna Tinamou family from Lauca NP.

Flying Steamer Duck ◊ Tachyeres patachonicus (X) Lone pairs on T. del Fuego and T. del Paine. Fuegian Steamer Duck ◊ (Flightless SD) Tachyeres pteneres (X) One at Pta Arenas. “Chiloe” Steamer Duck ◊ Tachyeres sp. nov. 20 or more on Chiloe Island. . Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Seen at El Yeso, Maule river and Torres del Paine. (armata). Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera Many at Lauca NP. Upland Goose ◊ Chloephaga picta (X) Abundant in the far south. Kelp Goose ◊ Chloephaga hybrida Some on Chiloe Island; One in Tierra del Fuego. Ashy-headed Goose ◊ Chloephaga poliocephala (X) 10 on Tierra del Fuego. Ruddy-headed Goose ◊ Chloephaga rubidiceps (X) 1 near Punta Arenas Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides Many at Lauca, abundant in the far south. Bronze-winged Duck (Spectacled D) ◊ Speculanas specularis Seen in the Maule river and Torres del Paine. Puna Teal Anas puna Common at Lauca NP. One in LLuta river mouth. Silver Teal Spatula versicolor Seen near Punta Arenas. Red Shoveler ◊ Anas platalea Common in C Chile; 50 on Tierra del Fuego. Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Fairly common. Chiloe Wigeon ◊ Anas sibilatrix Common from C to S Chile with hundreds at Batuco. White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis Seen at LLuta river mouth and Maipo. Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Regular encounters. Yellow-billed Teal (Speckled T) Anas flavirostris 40 at Lauca (oxyptera), very widespread (flavirostris). Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca 30+ at at Batuco lake. Black-headed Duck ◊ Heteronetta atricapilla 2 at Laguna El Peral. Andean Duck ◊ Oxyura ferruginea A few at Lauca NP. Lake Duck ◊ Oxyura vittata Common at C Chilean lakes. Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris atripuntatus Seen very well at Putre. Tschudi's Nightjar ◊ Systellura decussata Seen well at Arica. Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus Seen in the Lluta valley. Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella Common at Putre. White-sided Hillstar ◊ Oreotrochilus leucopleurus 4 at Farellones.

27 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Seen at Putre (peruviana), and at La Campana NP (gigas). Green-backed Firecrown ◊ Sephanoides sephaniodes Regular from La Campana to Chiloe. Oasis Hummingbird ◊ Rhodopis vesper Numerous in the far N. Peruvian Sheartail ◊ Thaumastura cora Some in the Azapa Valley. Chilean Woodstar ◊ Eulidia yarrellii One seen well at Camarones valley. Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia The less said the better.

Silver Teal and Spectacled Duck.

28 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa Common in Putre (albipennis). Chilean Pigeon ◊ Patagioenas araucana Regular in small numbers from C Chile to the lake district. Picui Ground Dove Columbina picui A few birds in C Chile. Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana Some in the north. Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia cecilae Very common at Putre. Golden-spotted Ground Dove Metriopelia aymara A pair at Lauca NP. Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera Common at Farellones. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Widespread. West Peruvian Dove ◊ Zenaida meloda Common in the lowlands and oasis strips of the far N. Austral Rail ◊ Rallus antarcticus Great views in Torres del Paine. Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus Seen at Maipo and on Chiloe Island. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata A few at the Lluta river mouth. White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera Various encounters including many at Batuco. Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca 80 at Lauca NP.

Giant Coot.

Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata Regular in C and Southern Chile. Giant Coot Fulica gigantea 150 at Lauca NP. Pied-billed Grebe Podilmbus podiceps Small numbers in C Chile and Chiloe.. White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland Regular encounters. Great Grebe Podicephorus major Small numbers almost thoughout. Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis Abundant at Lauca (juninensis); regular in C and S Chile (occipitalis). Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis A few at Lauca NP and also in Arica; 100+ in the far south. Andean Flamingo ◊ Phoenicopterus andinus 50+ at Lauca NP. James’s Flamingo ◊ Phoenicopterus jamesi 50+ at Lauca NP. Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris A pair in the Lluta valley. Magellanic Plover ◊ Pluvianellus socialis (X) 2 seen very well near Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego. Magellanic Oystercatcher ◊ Haematopus leucopodus (X) Up to 50 daily in the far south. Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater Regular encounters.

29 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Widespread encounters south to Chiloe. White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus Common in C Chile. Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina A few at Lauca NP.

Silvery Grebe.

Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Ubiquitous in C and S Chile (fretensis and chilensis). Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Seen at Lauca NP. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica An adult at the Lluta river mouth. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola A few at the Maipo river mouth. Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Seen at the LLuta river mouth. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Seen at the lluta river mouth. Collared Plover Charadrius collaris Seen at El Peral. Puna Plover Charadrius alticola A few at Lauca NP. Two-banded Plover ◊ Charadrius falklandicus (X) 10 on Tierra del Fuego. Rufous-chested Plover (R-c Dotterel) ◊ Charadrius modestus (X) A few near Porvenir. Tawny-throated Dotterel Oreopholus ruficollis (X) Some at Gallego Chico. Diademed Sandpiper-Plover ◊ Phegornis mitchellii An adult at Lauca NP. Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi A few at Lauca NP. Grey-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus A few at Lauca. Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicovorus (X) Seen at Tierra del Fuego and Gallego Chico. Whimbrel (Hudsonian W) Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus Common and widespread. Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica Up to 500 on Chiloe Island. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres A few seen.. Red Knot Calidris canutus Seen at Lluta and on Chiloe Island. Surfbird Aphriza virgata Many in Iquique. Sanderling Calidris alba Small numbers seen. Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Regular encounters throughout.

30 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (X) A few on Tierra del Fuego. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Some at LLuta river mouth at the Maipo river mouth. Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri 1 1winter at Maipo river mouth. South American Snipe (Magellanic S) Gallinago [paraguaiae] magellanica Regular encounters. Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus wilsoni First seen Seen at Lauca NP. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 1 on the Iquique pelagic. Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Lots on the Iquique and Valparaiso pelagics. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Some at the Lluta river mouth. Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria 1 at Lluta river mouth. 4th for Chile.

2 rare shorebirds for Chile : Solitary and Western Sandpipers.

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Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Seen at Batuco lake. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Small numbers noted in the coast. Willet Tringa semipalmata Some at Iquique. (inornatus alias Western Willet). Black Skimmer Rynchops niger Many encounters S to Chiloe with 500 at the Maipo river mouth. Sabine's Gull Xema sabini 15 from land on Iquique, 2 on the Iquique pelagic. Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus A few at the Lluta river mouth; Good numbers at Lauca NP. Brown-hooded Gull Chroicocephalus maculipennis Common in C Chile, numerous in the S. Dolphin Gull ◊ Leucophaeus scoresbii 2 in Chiloe island. 30 out of Punta Arenas. 2 in Grey Gull ◊ Leucocephalus modestus Abundant in N Chile. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla 1 adult at Lluta.

Magellanic Oystercatcher.

Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus 1 immature at Lluta. Belcher’s Gull ◊ (Band-tailed G) Larus belcheri Common on Iquique and Arica shores. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Ubiquitous at all coastal and some inland sites. Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans Common along the N and C coast. Peruvian Tern ◊ Sternula lorata Some seen very well off Iquique. South American Tern Sterna hirundinacea Regular on C and S coasts. Inca Tern ◊ Larosterna inca Hundreds at Iquique and at sea; Some on the Valparaiso pelagic. Snowy-crowned Tern Sterna trudeaui 3 seen at Maipo river mouth, and 4 at Chiloe. Chilean Skua ◊ Stercorarius chilensis A few on the pelagics and on land. Parasitic Jaeger (Arctic Skua) Stercorarius parasiticus Seen on the Iquique pelagic. Long-tailed Jaeger (L-t Skua) Stercorarius longicaudus 1 adult on the Iquique pelagic. King Penguin ◊ Aptenodytes patagonicus (X) 50+ adults and chicks at the Tierra del Fuego colony. Magellanic Penguin ◊ Spheniscus magellanicus 25 on Chiloe Island; a few on ferry crossings. Humboldt Penguin ◊ Spheniscus humboldti A few near Iquique, also off Valparaiso and 1 on Chiloe Island. Wilson’s Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus 1 on Valparaiso, a few in the Magellan Straits. Elliot’s Storm Petrel ◊ Oceanites gracilis 100 or more on the Iquique pelagic.

32 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Markham's Storm Petrel ◊ Oceanodroma markhami Incredible numbers on the pelagic off Iquique. 800+ Ringed Storm Petrel (Hornby´s S P) ◊ Oceanodroma hornbyi 1 seen and photographed off Iquique. Great record.

Ringed and Pincoya Storm Petrels.

Pincoya Storm Petrel ◊ Oceanites pincoyae Good numbers on different crossing to Chiloe. Southern Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora 1 photographed off Valparaiso. Northern Royal Albatross Diomedea sanfordi 3-4 on the Valparaiso pelagic. Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophrys Good numbers off Valparaiso, many in the far south. Salvin’s Albatross Thalassarche salvini 2 on the Iquique pelagic, 80 on the Valparaiso pelagic. Buller's Albatross Thalassarche bulleri Some good views on the Valparaiso pelagic. Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Regular encounters. Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus One in the Iquique pelagic, another one in the south. Southern Fulmar Fulmarius glacialoides (X) Good numbers in the Magellan Straits. White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis Seen off Iquique and Valparaiso. 1 in the far south. Westland Petrel ◊ (W Black P) Procellaria westlandica A few on the Valparaiso pelagic. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Common to aundant on all pelagics and ferry crossings. Pink-footed Shearwater Puffinus creatopus Some off Iquique, hundreds off Valparaiso and 10 off Chiloe. Peruvian Diving Petrel ◊ Pelecanoides garnotii Many off Iquique and off Valparaiso. Magellanic Diving Petrel ◊ Pelecanoides magellani A few off Chiloe and 15 in the Magellan Straits. Peruvian Booby Sula variegata Common in N and C Chile. 1 off Chiloe. Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi Common at Iquique and Chiloe. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Widespread encounters.

33 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Rock Shag ◊ Phalacrocorax magellanicus Some at Chiloe, and 10 or more at the Magellan Straits. Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvillii Lots off Iquique.

Imperial Shag (Blue-eyed Cormorant) ◊ Phalacrocorax [atriceps] atriceps Common around Chiloe. Imperial Shag (King C) ◊ Phalacrocorax [atriceps] albiventer (X) Common in the far south. Black-faced Ibis ◊ Theristicus melanopis Ubiquitous from the lake district southwards. Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi A few at Lauca NP. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja 2 at Lluta. Stripe-backed Bittern Ixobrychus involucris Repeated looks at a male near the C coast. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Regular encounters. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common on C Chilean lakes. Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi A few sightings. Great Egret Ardea alba Mostly small numbers throughout although 20 on Chiloe Island. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea 3 at Lluta river. Snowy Egret Egretta thula A few. Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Abundant south to Chiloe. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Ubiquitous. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Regular in C Chile south to Chiloe. Andean Condor Vultur gryphus 1 at Batuco; 10 close-up at Farellones; many in Torres del Paine. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Singles on motorways nr Talca, Osorno and Pto Montt. Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus Many at Batuco lake. Others elsewhere. Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Singles in the Lluta valley and Lircay. Variable Hawk (Red-backed H) Geranoaetus polyosoma Regular encounters. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus A few sightings. White-throated Hawk ◊ Buteo albigula Great views of one in Lircay. Lesser Horned Owl (Magellanic HO) ◊ Bubo magellanicus 2 seen very well at Farellones. Rufous-legged Owl ◊ Strix rufipes Great views of one at Lircay. Austral Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium nana Seen at Farellones, Puyehye and near Torres del Paine. Pacific Pygmy Owl ◊ (Peruvian P O) Glaucidium peruanum 1 gave great views in the LLuta valley.

34 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Seen near Arica. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus (X) Great views in Punta Arenas.

White-throated Caracara and Austral Pygmy Owl.

35 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata 3 on Chiloe (stellata). Striped Woodpecker ◊ Veniliornis lignarius Seen at La Campana, Vilches, Chillán and Puyehue. Chilean Flicker ◊ Colaptes pitius Small numbers from C Chile to the far S. Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola Some seen at Lauca NP. Magellanic Woodpecker ◊ Campephilus magellanicus A great males at Vilches. Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Seen at Farellones. White-throated Caracara ◊ Phalcoboenus albogularis 1 at Baguales. Southern Crested Caracara Caracara plancus Increasingly common from Puyehue southwards. Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango: Ubiquitous from C Chile southwards. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Regular encounters. Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis A single at Puyehue. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1 juvenile at LLuta. Mountain Parakeet Psilopsiagon aurifrons Great views of a flock perche (!!) in Lauca NP. Austral Parakeet ◊ Enicognathus ferrugineus Flocks at Vilches, Chillan; Puyehue and Torres del Paine. Slender-billed Parakeet ◊ Enicognathus leptorhynchus Great views at Puyehue and Chiloe. Burrowing Parrot ◊ Cyanoliseus patagonus 50 in the Maule valley (byroni). Common Miner Geositta cunicularia (X) Common in the south. Puna Miner Geositta punensis Seen at Lauca NP.

Thorn-tailed Rayadito.

Short-billed Miner ◊ Geositta antarctica (X) 20 on N Tierra del Fuego. Rufous-banded Miner Geositta rufipennis Some at Farellones (fasciata). Creamy-rumped Miner ◊ Geositta isabellina 1 at Farellones. Straight-billed Earthcreeper Ochetorhynchus ruficaudus Some near Zapahuira. Band-tailed Earthcreeper ◊ Ochetorhynchus phoenicurus (X) 1 near Oazy. Crag Chilia ◊ Ochetorhynchus melanura 1 at Farellones on our last attempt. White-throated Earthcreeper ◊ albigula 2 gave great views at Putre. Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria Seen at Farellones and further south.

36 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper ◊ Upucerthia saturatior 4 at Chillán. Buff-winged Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes fuscus 6 at Farellones, 4 at Paine. Cream-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albiventris Some around Putre and at Lauca on two dates. White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis 5 at Lauca. Grey-flanked Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes oustaleti First seen at Farellones. (oustaleti). Dark-bellied Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes patagonicus Seen at Maule and Puyehue; 10 on Chiloe Island. Chilean Seaside Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes nigrofumosus 2 in Iquique.

White-throated Treerunner.

Des Murs’s Wiretail ◊ Sylviorthorhymchus desmursii 2 at Termas de Chillán, H at Puyehue. Thorn-tailed Rayadito ◊ Aphrastura spinicauda Common in all Patagonian forest. Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides Seen in the north (grisescens), and La Campana (nom.). Streak-backed Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura striata Seen near Putre. Sharp-billed Canastero (Lesser C) Asthenes pyrrholeuca Seen at Farellones.

37 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Canyon Canastero ◊ Asthenes pudibunda Seen at Zapahuira; also at Putre. Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta First seen at Lauca. Dark-winged Canastero Asthenes arequipae First seen at Zapahuira; 5 at Putre. Austral Canastero ◊ Asthenes anthoides (X) Seen well at Torres del Paine NP. Dusky-tailed Canastero ◊ Pseudasthenes humicola Seen well at La Campana NP. Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops Seen at the Maipo river mouth and Batuco lake.

Magellanic Tapaculo.

White-throated Treerunner ◊ Pygarrhichas albogularis Small numbers from Vilches to Puyehue. Chestnut-throated Huet-huet ◊ Pteroptochos castaneus After some effort, eventually seen at Vilches. H at Chillán.

38 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Black-throated Huet-huet ◊ Pteroptochos tarnii Great views at Puyehue. Moustached Turca ◊ Pteroptochos megapodius 2 below El Yeso showed well. Also at Farellones. White-throated Tapaculo ◊ Scelorchilus albicollis Two seen well at La Campana, many heard. Chucao Tapaculo ◊ Scelorchilus rubecula Fisrst seen at Vilches; also at Puyehue. Ochre-flanked Tapaculo ◊ Eugralla paradoxa Repeated looks at 1 in Puyehue NP. Magellanic Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus magellanicus Seen well at Chillan. Dusky Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus fuscus (H) White-crested Elaenia (Peruvian E) Elaenia [albiceps] modesta Some in the north. Chilean Elaenia Elaenia chilensis Common in all Patagonian forest.

Austral Canastero.

Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant ◊ Anairetes reguloides 1 at Camarones. Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris Seen near Putre. Tufted Tit-Tyrant ◊ Anairetes parulus Small numbers in C Chile south to Vilches. Many-coloured Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra 2 at the Maipo river, many (!) at Batuco lake. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Fairly common in N oasis valleys. Austral Negrito ◊ Lessonia rufa Common on Chiloe Island; abundant in the far south. Andean Negrito Lessonia oreas Some at Lauca NP. Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillata 3 at the Maipo river. Puna Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola juninensis 6 or more at Lauca NP. White-fronted Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albifrons 8 at Lauca NP. Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola rufivertex (LO) White-browed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora A few at Farellones. Cinnamon-bellied Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola capistrata (X) Seen in the south. Ochre-naped Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola flavinucha Seen at Camarones, also in Farellones. Dark-faced Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola maclovianus Small numbers seen. First, a migrant in Iquique. Spot-billed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris Some in Camarones. Black-fronted Ground-Tyrant ◊ Muscisaxicola frontalis 4 at Farellones. Great Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis lividus (X) One reidentified thanks to the photos at Torres del Paine. Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus Great views in Farellones.

39 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis albicauda 2 at Lauca NP. RARE! Fire-eyed Diucon ◊ Xolmis pyrope Regular encounters from the Maipo river southwards. Chocolate-vented Tyrant ◊ Neoxolmis rufiventris (X) 8 at Gallego Chico. Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant Polioxolmis rufipennis Seen in polylepis netra Putre. D'Orbigny's Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca oenanthoides Seen in polylepis in the Putre area. Patagonian Tyrant ◊ Colorhamphus parvirostris 2 at Lircay. Rufous-tailed Plantcutter ◊ Phytotoma rara Regular from the Maipo river to Sierra Baguales. Chilean meyeni Ubiquitous in C and S Chile. Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Regular encounters. (Bank Swallow) riparia A few at Camarones.

Chocolate-vented Tyrant.

Barn Swallow rustica Small numbers. American pyrrhonota A few at Camarones. Peruvian Martin ◊ murphyi 7 birds, males and females, at Lluta river mouth. RARE! Grass Wren (Sedge W) Cistothorus platensis Singles at the Maipo river and Chiloe; 2 at Bahia Inutil. House Wren Troglodytes aedon Small numbers throughout the tour. Chilean Mockingbird ◊ Mimus thenca Common in C Chile south to Chiloe. Not endemic! Patagonian Mockingbird ◊ Mimus patagonicus (X) Seen at Torres del Paine. Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Small numbers around Zapahuira and Putre. Austral Thrush ◊ Turdus falcklandii Common throughout C Chile and Patagonia. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Present. Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera 1 in Chiloe. Fairly common in the south. Black-chinned Siskin ◊ Carduelis barbata Regular encounters from La Campana southwards. Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanica Fairly common at Chaca and around Putre. Black Siskin Spinus atrata Some at Lauca NP. Smart! Yellow-rumped Siskin ◊ Spinus uropygialis 2 in the North, where uncommon. Thick-billed Siskin ◊ Spinus crassirostris A pair photographed in Polylepis in the north. Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Widespread and common. Peruvian Meadowlark ◊ Sturnella bellicosa 6 at the Lluta river mouth. Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca Common in C and S Chile. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Small numbers in C Chile and the lake district. Austral Blackbird ◊ Cureus cureus Generally common in C and S Chile.

40 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelaius thilius Some at the Maipo river mouth; also at Batuco lake. Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis A pair at Putre.

Yellow-bridled Finch.

Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Regular encounters in N oasis strips. Tamarugo Conebill ◊ Conirostrum tamarugense 5 or more at the Pampa de Tamarugal. Black-throated Flowpiercer Diglossa brunneiventris 2 at Putre. Black-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus atriceps A few in the north. Grey-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus gayi Regular encounters in C Chile and the far south. Patagonian Sierra Finch Phrygilus patagonicus Regular in Patagonian forest. Mourning Sierra Finch Phrygilus patagonicus Regular almost throughout. Plumbeous Sierra Finch Phrygilus unicolor Small numbers in the north. Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus Common at Putre-Lauca. Band-tailed Sierra Finch Phrygilus alaudinus Seen in Farellones. White-throated Sierra Finch ◊ Phrygilus erythronotus 2 pairs at Lauca NP. White-bridled Finch ◊ Melanodera melanodera (X) over 50 at Gallego Chico. Yellow-bridled Finch ◊ Melanodera xanthogramma (X) 10 or more at Sierra de Baguales. White-winged Diuca Finch Diuca speculifera A few over two visits to Lauca. Common Diuca Finch Diuca diuca Regular in C Chile south to Chiloe. Slender-billed Finch ◊ Xenospingus concolor A few in oasis valleys of the north. Greater Yellow Finch ◊ Sicalis auriventris Common at Farellones. Raimondi´s Yellow Finch ◊ Sicalis raimondi Hundreds at Camarones. Recently discovered in Chile. Greenish Yellow Finch Sicalis olivascens Many at Zapahuira, Putre and Lauca. Patagonian Yellow Finch ◊ Sicalis lebruni A pair out of Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego. Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola 4 at the Maipo river; 4 above Talca; 2 on Chiloe Island.

41 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Small numbers in the Azapa valley. Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis 4 near Putre.

White-bridled Finch.

MAMMALS

European Hare (Intr) Lepus europeus European Rabbit (Intr) Oryctolagus cuniculus Southern Viscacha (Mountain V) Lagidium viscacia Seen at Lauca NP and Farellones. Coypu (Nutria) Myocastor coypus 1 at Laguna El Peral. Coruro Spalacopus cyanus Seen at Farellones. Bolivian Big-eared Mouse Auliscomys boliviensis Seen at Lauca. Common Degu (Octodon degus) One seen by Matthew. Puma Puma concolor 11 (!!) at Torres del Paine. Culpeo (C Fox) Pseudalopex culpaeus Seen at Farellones. South American Grey Fox Pseudalopex griseus 1 at Lauca; regular in the far south. Humboldt’s Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus humboldti (X) 1 nr Paine. South American Sea Lion Otaria byronia Common at most coastal sites. Sei Whale Balaenoptera borealis 1 off Valparaiso. Commerson’s Dolphin Cephalorhynchus commersoni (X) 2 briefly as we crossed the Magellan Straits. Peale's Dolphin Lagenorhynchus australis (X) Some in the Magellan Straits. Dusky Dolphin Lagenorhynchus obscurus Seen at Iquique. Burmeister´s Porpoise Phocoena spinipinnis Seen off Iqique Taruca (P Huemul, Taruca) Hippocamelus antisensis Seen near Putre. Guanaco Lama guanicoe (X) Abundant in the far south. Vicuña Vicugna vicugna Abundant at Lauca NP.

42 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com

Humboldt’s Hog-nosed Skunk

43 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com