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Home , Andean coot, Andean gull, Andean hillstar, Andean negrito, Austral canastero, Austral negrito

We saw many good shorebirds during this tour, including the stunning Rufous-chested Dotterel. (all photos by DLV)

ULTIMATE

19 NOVEMBER– 3/8 DECEMBER 2018

LEADER: MARK PEARMAN and DANI LOPEZ-VELASCO

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Once again, our Ultimate Chile tour produced all of the mainland Chilean endemics, all eight , some the size of a puffin, including walk-away views of both Chestnut-throated and Black-throated Huet- Huets, and an astonishing spectacle of 33 , including Diademed -Plover, Magellanic Plover, Peruvian Thick-knee, Tawny-throated and Rufous-chested Dotterels and Rufous-bellied . Our two main pelagics, and various ferry crossings, delivered 17 species of tubenose with highlights of Southern Royal, Chatham and Buller´s Albatrosses, one of the first Shy (White-capped) Albatross records for Chile, and some Pincoya Storm Petrels. In all, we observed 280 species (of which 28 were only seen on the extension) plus some 16 species of , among which, the rarely seen Huemul and delightful Commerson's Dolphin stood out. As we travelled almost the entire spine of Chile we sampled three major biomes including several vast wilderness areas, from the Atacama to the high and through Patagonian forests to the Magellanic and Fuegian tundra steppe. Other unforgettable highlights, from north to south, included, the Chilean Woodstar, Tamarugo Conebill, White-throated Earthcreeper, Andean and James's Flamingos, Magellanic , Burrowing Parrot, Spectacled Duck, White-throated Hawk, Rufous-legged , Des Murs’ Wiretail and the recently split Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper. For many, the extension was the cherry topping, with a visit to 's only King Penguin colony, Ruddy-headed Goose, Magellanic Plover, both dotterels, Magellanic Horned Owl, White- bridled and Yellow-bridled Finches, 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 and we enjoyed tasty local cuisine and fine wines which lead to a hugely successful tour.

This Black-throated Huet-Huet gave fantastic views at Puyehue.

The birding started out of Iquique, making a stop along the coast to see our first Belcher´s and Grey , Chilean Skuas 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 went to a nearby restaurant for our first tasty lunch of the tour. We then 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, Franklin's and a few Kelp Gulls, Black Skimmers and a single Great Grebe. Peruvian Boobies and Elegant and Inca Terns flew past as we scoped Whimbrels,

2 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com with some Surfbirds mixed with Ruddy and Willets.

Some impressive scenery in NP.

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 Pomarine Jaegers, Red- necked and Sooty Shearwaters all flew past the boat, and we soon added some Pink-footed Shearwaters, a few Elliot's Storm Petrels, as well as a couple Wilson's, with increasing numbers of White- chinned Petrels. Our chum pulled in 2 Salvin's Albatrosses and a Southern Giant Petrel, but in spite our best efforts, no Markham´s Storm Petrels could be found. South American Terns, Chilean Skuas, an immature Swallow-tailed and a Guanay Cormorant provided the supporting cast on our return to port. Once back in the harbour, we found a very confiding Chilean Seaside Cinclodes. Heading north through the bleak, and astonishing, Atacama, a first stop produced Cinereous Conebill and a very smart, local Pied-crested Tit- Tyrant, as well as Croaking Ground Dove, Plain-mantled Tit Spinetail, White-crested Elaenia and Slender- billed FInch. A second oasis stop found us Oasis but no sign of the hoped-for Chilean Woodstar. We then settled in our hotel, and after dinner we went to a nearby stake out for Tschudi´s Nightjar, which eventually obliged, next to a Burrowing Owl.

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A colorful Inca Tern at Iquique harbour.

Soon after dawn, we visited the Lluta river mouth, which was alive with birds. Thousands of Elegant Terns and Franklin´s Gulls sat on the beach, while Cinnamon Teal, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night , Common Gallinule, Killdeer, Sanderling, Greater Yellowlegs, an unexpected Andean Gull and Peruvian Meadowlark were all new birds for the trip. The Azapa valley was our next port of call where we had fantastc views of male and female Peruvian Sheartails, but again we drew a blank on Chilean Woodstar –it seems they´ve vanished from this valley-. Other birds seen included Hooded Siskin, Vermilion Flycatcher, Blue- black Grassquit and Chestnut-throated Seedeater. A pair of Peruvian Thick-knees was spotted from the moving bus in a ploughed field, and we had excellent scope views of this sought-after species. Higher up, we spent considerable time looking for Greyish Miner, but none could be found. Raptors were in abundance, with Peregrine, American Kestrel, Harris´s Hawk, and Black-chested Buzzard Eagle all seen on the journey. 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 , 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.

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Critically endangered Chilean Woodstar

At dawn, we birded a deep gulley which produced Aplomado Falcon, several Andean , a flock of Mountain Parakeets, the uncommon White-throated Earthcreeper, Cream-winged Cinclodes, Chiguanco Thrush, Black-winged and Bare-faced Ground Doves as well as Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Blue-and- yellow , Black-hooded Sierra Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater and amazing Giant ; often mistaken for a not remotely related to hummingbirds e.g. a martin or even a falcon.

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Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. One of the most amazing shorebirds in the world.

Lauca National Park beckoned and our first visit almost turned into a full blown hoover job. We quickly located Ornate , Andean Gull, Andean Goose, Crested Duck, Puna Ibis, Yellow-billed Teal on the first lakes, while cushion-plant bogs provided plump Rufous-bellied and Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Andean Flicker, White-winged Cinclodes, Puna and White-fronted Ground Tyrants and White-winged Diuca Finches. A next lake stop provided us with good numbers of Andean and James's Flamingoes among a multitude of Chilean Flamingoes. Now, with a vast back drop of towering snow-capped volcanoes, we scoped some (very) distant Puna (Lesser) Rheas amongst the herds of Vicunas while two Mountain Caracaras cruised past. A short moon walk at 4500 metres produced abundant Giant , Silvery and White-tufted Grebes, Andean Ducks, Puna Teal, Andean Lapwing and a single Andean Avocet. We cherry picked many other targets including Cordilleran , Puna Miner, and Black Siskin. In the evening we enjoyed good views of a couple of Band-winged Nightjars near our accommodation.

Next morning, things didn´t go as planned, but eventually we set out on a trek for the iconic Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. Half an hour later later, we were face to face with a stunning adult DSP together with a chick. The most-wanted bird of the trip for some of the participants, and thankfully we enjoyed terrific views amidst some very impressive scenery. Overhead, we also saw our first Andean Condor. Afterwards we decided to head back to the coast, in a last attempt to find the critically endangered Chilean Woodstar. This turned out to be a good decision, as, once at the spot, we had fantastic views of an adult male and a female woodstar at very close range.

After an 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 Grey Plover, Hudsonian , South American Snipe, White-backed Stilt, Semipalmated Sandpiper, White-cheeked Pintail, Brown-hooded Gull amongs hundreds of Black Skimmers and Elegant and South American Terns. The reedbeds and surrounding shrubbery were teaming with birdlife including our target Ticking Doradito, and many views of stunning Many-coloured Rush Tyrant, Spectcled Tyrant, -like Rushbird, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Fire-eyed Diucon, Yellow-winged Blackbird and Yellow Finch.

6 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Our next lake stop was teaming with waterfowl including 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, Red-gartered and a smart Spot-flanked Gallinule. On the way back to the hotel, a stop in a small reedbed gave us excellent views of the uncommon Stripe-backed Bittern.

This young Southern Royal Albatross was seen well on our Quintero pelagic.

Soon after dawn we set out on our second pelagic. For some reason, port authorities didn´t want to give permission to the boat for going offshore, but in the end they let us leave the harbour. We were soon watching many Peruvian Diving Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters and growing numbers of Pink-footed Shearwaters. Wilson's Storm Petrel and White-chinned 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 an adult Shy (White-capped) - one of the first records for Chile -, an immature Chatham, several Buller´s and 2 Southern Royal Albatrosses. 2 adult Sabine´s Gulls were unexpected. After a memorable seafood lunch in the yacht club we headed inland towards the highest reaches of La Campana national park. A trek produced a nice range of common birds such as Giant Hummingbird, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Plain-mantled Tit Spinetail, Fire-eyed Diucon, Grey-hooded Sierra Finch and Chilean Elaenia and here too we managed excelent views of Chilean endemic Dusky-tailed Canastero.

At dawn, we were on the case of Chile's toughest endemic, the White-throated , and although it took some time, finally, and after much stalking, all the group managed to get good views of it. In the process we also saw another Chilean endemic: Dusky Tapaculo, as well as Chilean Pigeon, Chilean and . Moving on to Lampa marshes it was evident that there had been a severe drought and we didn´t see much. At a nearby lake we saw masses of waterfowl, including some unexpected Andean Goose, thousands of Chiloe WIgeon, Red Shoveler and Yellow-billed Pintail, our only White-faced Ibis of the trip, a single Cocoi Heron and 2 Collared Plovers. Next morning we were back in the high Andes, this time above Santiago, the birdlife was abundant as we added Torrent Duck, Rufous-banded Miner, endemic Crag Chilia, Moustached Turca, Scale-throated Earthcreeper, Grey-flanked Cinclodes, Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail, Ochre-naped, Cinereous and abundant White-browed Ground Tyrants. A short walk produced the expected local specialties including Sharp-billed Canastero, Black-fronted Ground Tyrant, Greater Yellow Finch and Yellow-rumped Siskin, while a flock of Mountain Parakeets was seen by some. The next spot produced fantastic views of a very confiding DSP, several Grey-breasted , as well as the local form of South American Snipe, and, even better, walk-away views of White-sided Hillstars. Further up the road we finally located the poorly known Creamy-rumped Miner to cream off a memorable day.

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The fantastic White-sided from El Yeso.

Heading south to Vilches, we were soon veering back into the Andes, stopping en route at the Maule Valley. 2 pair of splendid Spectacled Duck were seen, and, most important, some Burrowing Parrots of the very local chilean race at their breeding cliffs. The magnificent Patagonian forest of Vilches delivered Green- backed Firecrown, Austral Parakeet, abundant Thorn-tailed Rayadito, smart White-throated Treerunner and a cracking Chucao Tapaculo, which even posed in the scope (¡), as well as a confiding Magellanic Tapaculo. When there are highs there can also be lows and we had zero vocal response from Chestnut-throated Huet- Huet, a major target, meaning we would be giving it all of our focus at dawn. At dusk, we found a cute Austral at our accommodation, but our Rofous-legged Owl efforts drew a blank.

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Patagonian forest at Puyehue.

At dawn we were back on the case of the huet-huet, and we succeeded in getting absolutely smashing views of a singing Chestnut-throated Huet-huet. Happy with our success, we had a good breakfast, and then moved on to our next destination, an area of fields where we scored , another tricky species, feeding out in the open. Also in the same spot we saw a Hellmayr´s –our first one in a Chile tour-, as well as Grassland Yellow Finch. Finally we reached the Chillan thermal springs, where we quickly located a pair of White-throted Hawks in flight and a shy pair of Patagonian Forest Earthcreepers, while a male flew by. In spite of all of our efforts, the bird couldn´t be relocated. After a good dinner, a dusk trip found us a Rufous-legged Owl, although the bird perched in full view only for a few seconds, before flying off. The morning's birding would produce much better views of Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper at 2 different sites, with one singing from the top of a tree and giving terrific views. A perched White-throated Hawk allowed blinding close-ups, followed by a delightful Des Mur's Wiretail. The very long drive to Puyehue was puntuated by hundreds of Black-faced Ibis. After dinner we set out for yet another Rufous-legged Owl search, but none were found.

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 , an equally tame Chucao and some brief views of Ochre-flanked Tapaculo. A singing Patagonian Tyrant was much appreciated too. We spent some time walking along the road, trying to find another Magellanic Woodpecker, to no avail. After an absolutely superb buffet lunch, we headed back to the forest, where things were quiet. Going back to the hotel garden was a good idea, as we tracked down a group of esplendid endemic Slender-billed Parakeets at very close quarters!

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Chestnut-throated Huet-Huet and Chucao Tapaculo from Puyehue.

We spent a couple of hours in the morning looking for , and then it was time for the long drive to the Chiloe ferry. Even though it was midday, the crossing produced our hoped-for Pincoya Storm Petrel, much to everyone´s delight. Once in the island, we had good looks at several “Chiloe” Steamer Ducks –not yet officially described-, and we continued on to Ancud, enjoying good views of the runt Patagonian form of Ringed Kingfisher. Finally, we set sail for the penguin colonies appreciating close-ups of mixed Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins as well as several Kelp Geese and nesting Red-legged Cormorant; arguably the World's most stunning cormorant.

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Red-legged Cormorants at Chiloe.

In the morning we had good looks at Plumbeous , and hundreds of Hudsonian and Red Knots were visible on roadside pools before we returned to port. During the ferry crossing we enjoyed good views of several Pincoya Storm Petrels, as well as Magellanic Diving Petrel, amongst other things. Our main tour ended in Puerto Montt, and those taking the extension flew to Punta Arenas, where we landed at dusk.

Next morning, we did a bit of birding in a wetland area near town. Plenty of waterfowl and Upland Geese were around, as well as displaying South American Snipe and many Austral Negritos. Once aboard the ferry to , and on flat calm seas, we saw over 50 Wilson' s Storm-Petrels, several Southern Fulmars, a few Magellanic Diving Petrels, some Black-browed Albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels and a

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Magellanic Horned Owl. single Northern Giant Petrel, as well as many Chilean Skuas. Once at Porvenir we set out into the steppe. A stunning Rufous-chested Dotterel obliged at length, and not far from there we scoped a singing White-bridled Finch. Next, no less than 4 pairs of the endangered Ruddy-headed Goose were found. Our final destination was the only King Penguin breeding ground in South America and we were not to be dissappointed when viewing more than 100 birds, including adults and chicks. It was a unique experience without wind and there were smiles all around, with very helpful staff and where we also connected with close ups of many White- rumped and some Short-billed Miners, and breeding Two-banded Plovers and Magellanic Oystercatchers. Then we headed back to town, making another stop, which produced fantastic views of a Magellanic Horned Owl.

The most unique shorebird on the planet (afforded its own , not just Family) was our next target. As soon as we got to the site, we found a pair of Magellanic Horned . We walked around the lake for a bit, and finally found a stunning Magellanic Plover. We scoped it, but all of a sudden, it totally disappeared! We spent considerable time trying to relocate it, to no avail, seeing our only Patagonian Yellow Finch in the process. It was then time to head back, but, once we were on the track above the lake, we made another brief stop, just in time to see the plover in. We scoped it again, and, just ater a minute or so, flew off again. We carried on, until making a quick top in a lake teaming with waterfowl. Here, we saw our first Ashy- headed Geese of the trip, together with some distant Wilson´s Phalaropes. The ferry crossing was a bit rough, and not much was seen, but a pair of Commerson's Dolphin's put on a good show. Back on the northern straits, we headed towards Torres del Paine through the back roads, searching unsuccessfully for the very rare Patagonian Tinamou on the way. 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 with chicks 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 long day, we eventually made it to our hotel in Torres del Paine.

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Amazing scenery at Torres del Paine.

While having breakfast, we had great looks at a Humboldt's Hog-nosed Skunk just outside the dinning room! We then headed into the park. We spent considerable time looking for Austral Rail at their regular lakes, but very strong winds didn´t help at all. Just around the corner we were treated to a very obliging Austral Canastero; our sixth and final canastero of the tour. 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 before we reached the

13 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com western side of the park. In the mammal front, we had great views of the rarely seen and endangered Huemul Deer. To the east, the Sierra de Baguales, bordering was our next port of call where our first quarry, the Patagonian Mockingbird which showed well, close to the bus. Our next target was Yellow- bridled Finch, and, sure enough, we had walk-away views of several birds feeding next to the track. The drive back to Punta Arenas was highlighted by the rare Great Shrike-Tyrant, which showed very well. We finished off the tour with an excellent dinner, and then it was time for everyone to head back home. David, this report goes to you!

Yellow-bridled Finch and Diademed Sandpiper-Plover.

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Burrowing Owl and Peruvian Pelican.

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Andean Gull in Lauca NP.

16 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

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 8 very distantly at Lauca NP. Lesser Rhea (Darwin's R) Rhea [pennata] pennata (X) Abundant in the far south (pennata). Nothoprocta ornata Great looks at one above Putre. Chilean Tinamou ◊ Nothoprocta perdicaria Nice looks at 2 nr Talca. Coscoroba Swan ◊ Coscoroba coscoroba Scarce in C Chile; abundant from Chiloe southwards. Black-necked Swan ◊ Cygnus melanocoryphus 1 at the Maipo river; abundant from Chiloe south. Flying Steamer Duck ◊ Tachyeres patachonicus (X) Lone pairs on T. del Fuego and T. del Paine. Fuegian Steamer Duck ◊ (Flightless SD) Tachyeres pteneres (X) A pair out of Pta Arenas. Chiloe Steamer Duck ◊ Tachyeres sp. nov. 20 or more on Chiloe Island. . Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Four at El Yeso (armata).

Female Torrent Duck.

Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera Many at Lauca NP; surprisingly 3 at Batuco lake. Upland Goose ◊ Chloephaga picta (X) Abundant in the far south. Kelp Goose ◊ Chloephaga hybrida 8 on Chiloe Island; 28 on the Magellan Straits. Ashy-headed Goose ◊ Chloephaga poliocephala (X) 10 on Tierra del Fuego. Ruddy-headed Goose ◊ Chloephaga rubidiceps (X) 8 on Tierra del Fuego. Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides Many at Lauca, 8 at El Yeso, abundant in the far south. Bronze-winged Duck (Spectacled D) ◊ Speculanas specularis 4 in the Maule valley. Puna Teal Anas puna 80 at Lauca NP. Red Shoveler ◊ Anas platalea Common in C Chile; 50 on Tierra del Fuego.

17 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera 6 at the Lluta river mouth, and over 40 in C Chile. Chiloe Wigeon ◊ Anas sibilatrix Common from C to S Chile with over 5000 at Batuco. White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis 1 at the Maipo river mouth; 3 on Chiloe Island. Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Regular encounters. Yellow-billed Teal (Speckled T) Anas flavirostris 40 at Lauca (oxyptera), very widespread (flavirostris). Black-headed Duck ◊ Heteronetta atricapilla 2 males at Laguna El Peral. Andean Duck ◊ Oxyura ferruginea 6 at Lauca NP. Lake Duck ◊ Oxyura vittata Common at C Chilean lakes. California Quail (Intr) Calipepla californica Regular encounters in C Chile. King Penguin ◊ Aptenodytes patagonicus (X) 132 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 4 near Iquique, 1 off Quintero and 1 on Chiloe Island. Wilson’s Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus 2 off Iquique, 50 off Quintero, 40 in the Magellan Straits. Elliot’s Storm Petrel ◊ Oceanites gracilis 100 or more on the Iquique pelagic. Pincoya Storm Petrel ◊ Oceanites pincoyae 1 and 10 or more on different crossing to Chiloe. Southern Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora 2 off Quintero.

Shy (White-capped) Albatross and Pink-footed Shearwater off Quintero.

Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophrys 6 off Quintero, 5 off Chiloe; 40 in the far south. Shy Albatross (White-capped A) Thalassarche cauta cauta An adult photographed off Quintero. Chatham Albatross ◊ Thalassarche eremita An immature photographed off Quintero. Salvin’s Albatross Thalassarche salvini 2 on the Iquique pelagic, 80 on the Quintero pelagic. Buller's Albatross Thalassarche bulleri 2 on the Iquique pelagic. Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Regular encounters. Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus (X, LO) One in the Magellan Straits. Southern Fulmar Fulmarius glacialoides (X) 20 in the Magellan Straits. White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis 6 off Iquique, 6 off Quintero, 1 in the far south. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Common to aundant on all pelagics and ferry crossings. Pink-footed Shearwater Puffinus creatopus 5 off Iquique, 400 off Quintero and 2 off Chiloe. Peruvian Diving Petrel ◊ Pelecanoides garnotii 40 off Iquique and 15 off Quintero. Magellanic Diving Petrel ◊ Pelecanoides magellani 2 off Chiloe and 15 in the Magellan Straits. Pied-billed Grebe Podilmbus podiceps Singles at Laguna El Peral and Ventanas lake. White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland Regular encounters.

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Peruvian (above) and Magellanic (below) Diving Petrels.

Great Grebe Podicephorus major Small numbers almost thoughout. Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis Abundant at Lauca (juninensis); regular in C Chile (occipitalis). Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis 120 at Lauca NP; 110 in the far south. Andean Flamingo ◊ Phoenicopterus andinus 25 at Lauca NP. James’s Flamingo ◊ Phoenicopterus jamesi 60 at Lauca NP. Black-faced Ibis ◊ Theristicus melanopis Ubiquitous from the lake district southwards. White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi 3 at Batuco lake. Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi 9 at Lauca NP. Stripe-backed Bittern Ixobrychus involucris Repeated looks at one near the C coast.

19 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Regular encounters. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common on C Chilean lakes with active colonies. Cocoi Heron cocoi 1 at Batuco lake; 2 in the Maule Valley; 1 en route to Chillán. Great Egret Ardea alba Mostly small numbers throughout although 20 on Chiloe Island.

Stripe-backed Bittern near Santiago.

Snowy Egret Egretta thula 1 at the Lluta river mouth; 4 on C Chile lakes; 1 on Chiloe. Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Abundant south to Chiloe. Peruvian Booby Sula variegata Common in N and C Chile. Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi Common at Iquique and Chiloe. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Widespread encounters. Rock Shag ◊ Phalacrocorax magellanicus 6 at Chiloe, and 10 or more at the Magellan Straits. Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvillii 3 off Quintero; 25 at 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. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Ubiquitous. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Regular in C Chile south to Chiloe. Andean Condor Vultur gryphus 1 at Lauca NP; 25 close-up at El Yeso; 1 in the far south. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Singles on motorways nr Talca (NL), Osorno and Pto Montt. Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus (X) 1 near the Magellan Straits, and 2 in Torres del Paine NP. Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Singles in the Lluta valley, Batuco, El Yeso and Maule. Variable Hawk (Red-backed H) Geranoaetus polyosoma Regular encounters. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus Five encounters involving 9 birds. White-throated Hawk ◊ Buteo albigula 2 at Chillán with protracted views, and 1 at Puyehue. Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus 2 with a chick at Laguna El Peral, 1 on Chiloe Island. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata 5 at the Lluta river mouth. Spot-flanked Gallinule Gallinula melanops Singles at the Maipo river mouth and Laguna El Peral. White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera Various encounters including 300 at Batuco. Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca 80 at Lauca NP. Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata Regular in C. Chile with over 100 in the Maule Valley. Giant Coot Fulica gigantea 150 at Lauca NP.

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Peruvian Booby.

Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris A pair with a chick in the Lluta valley. Magellanic Plover ◊ Pluvianellus socialis (X) One out of Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego. Magellanic Oystercatcher ◊ Haematopus leucopodus (X) Up to 50 daily in the far south. Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater Regular encounters. American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Widespread encounters south to Chiloe. White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus Common in C Chile. Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina Just 1 at Lauca NP. Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Ubiquitous in C and S Chile (fretensis and chilensis). Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens 1 at Lauca NP. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 1 at the Maipo river mouth. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 2 at the lluta river mouth. Two-banded Plover ◊ Charadrius falklandicus (X) 10 on Tierra del Fuego. Rufous-chested Plover (R-c Dotterel) ◊ Charadrius modestus (X) 2 near Porvenir. Tawny-throated Dotterel Oreopholus ruficollis (X) 40 at Gallego Chico. Diademed Sandpiper-Plover ◊ Phegornis mitchellii An adult and juvenile at Lauca NP; 1 at El Yeso. Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi 15 and 2 at Lauca NP on different dates. Grey-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus 4 at Lauca NP, and 10 at El Yeso. Thinocorus rumicovorus (X) 2 in Tierra del Fuego and 20 at Gallego Chico. Whimbrel (Hudsonian W) Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus Common and widespread. Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica Up to 1000 on Chiloe Island. Ruddy Arenaria interpres 12 at Iquique, 20 at Quintero; 1 (NL) on Chiloe Island. canutus 40 on Chiloe Island. Surfbird Aphriza virgata 8 at Iquique; 1 at Quintero. Sanderling Calidris alba 1 at the Lluta river mouth; 26 at the Maipo river mouth. Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Regular encounters throughout. White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (X) 6 on Tierra del Fuego. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla 2 at the Maipo river mouth was an important record. South American Snipe (Magellanic S) [paraguaiae] magellanica Regular encounters. Wilson's Phalaropus wilsoni (X) 10 on Tierra del Fuego.

21 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com

White-rumped Sandpiper.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 15 on the Iquique pelagic. Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius 50 on the Quintero pelagic. Willet semipalmata 11 at Iquique (inornatus alias Western Willet). Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 20 at the Lluta river mouth; a few on Chiloe Island. Black Skimmer Rynchops niger Many encounters S to Chiloe with 1000 at the Maipo river mouth. Swallow-tailed Gull Creagrus furcatus A juvenile on the Iquique pelagic. Sabine's Gull Xema sabini 2 on the Quintero pelagic. Andean Gull serranus 1 at the Lluta river mouth; 15 at Lauca NP. Brown-hooded Gull Chroicocephalus maculipennis Common in C Chile, numerous in the S. ◊ scoresbii (X) 30 out of Punta Arenas. Franklin’s Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Regular in N and C Chile south to Chiloe. ◊ Leucocephalus modestus Abundant in N Chile. Belcher’s Gull ◊ (Band-tailed G) belcheri Common on Iquique and shores. Larus dominicanus Ubiquitous at all coastal and some inland sites. Elegant Tern elegans Common along the N and C coast. South American Tern Sterna hirundinacea Regular on C and S coasts. Common Tern Sterna hirundo 5 at the Lluta river mouth; 10 at the Maipo river mouth. Inca Tern ◊ Larosterna inca Hundreds at Iquique and at sea; 6 on the Quintero pelagic. Chilean Skua ◊ Stercorarius chilensis 1 at Iquique; 15 in the Magellan Straits. Pomarine Jaeger (P Skua) Stercorarius pomarinus (LO) Singles off at Iquique on two dates. Parasitic Jaeger (Arctic Skua) Stercorarius parasiticus 2 on the Iquique pelagic. Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia The less said the better. Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa 1 in Arica; 20 in Putre (albipennis). Chilean Pigeon ◊ Patagioenas araucana Regular in small numbers from C Chile to the lake district. Picui Ground Dove Columbina picui 1 near Batuco Lake seen by some. Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana 1 at Chaca; 10 in the Azapa valley. Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia cecilae Very common at Putre. Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera Very common at Putre and El Yeso. Zenaida auriculata Widespread.

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Swallow-tailed and Belcher´s Gulls. (DLV)

West Peruvian Dove ◊ Zenaida meloda Common in the lowlands and oasis strips of the far N. Lesser Horned Owl (Magellanic HO) ◊ Bubo magellanicus (X) 2 out of Porvenir. Rufous-legged Owl ◊ Strix rufipes 1 at Termas de Chillán. Austral Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium nana 1 scoped at Alto Vilches. Burrowing Owl cunicularia 1 at Chaca; 2 in the Azapa Valley. Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris atripuntatus 3 at Putre. Tschudi's Nightjar ◊ Systellura decussata A pair at Arica. Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus (LO) 10 in the Lluta valley.

23 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella 8 at Putre. White-sided Hillstar ◊ Oreotrochilus leucopleurus 4 at El Yeso.

Chilean Woodstar and Burrowing Parrot.

Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas 1 at Putre (peruviana), and 3 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. ◊ Thaumastura cora A pair in the Azapa Valley. Chilean Woodstar ◊ Eulidia yarrellii A pair at Chaca. Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Two singles on Chiloe (stellata). ◊ Veniliornis lignarius Singles at Vilches and Chillán; 4 at Puyehue. Chilean Flicker ◊ pitius Small numbers from C Chile to the far S. Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola 1 seen by some at Lauca NP.

24 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Magellanic Woodpecker ◊ magellanicus Single males in flight at Vilches and Chillán. Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus 4 at Lauca NP during two visits. Southern 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 and pair at Putre.

Some rare : Creamy-rumped Miner, Crag Chilia and White-throated Earthcreeper.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrines 1 in the Azapa Valley (cassini). Austral Parakeet ◊ Enicognathus ferrugineus Flocks at Chillan; 6 at Torres del Paine. Slender-billed Parakeet ◊ Enicognathus leptorhynchus Great views of 30 at Puyehue; 1 on Chiloe. Burrowing Parrot ◊ Cyanoliseus patagonus 50 in the Maule valley (byroni). Common Miner cunicularia 2 at Lauca; 4 in Tierra del Fuego; 2 at Paine. Puna Miner Geositta punensis 4 at Lauca NP. Short-billed Miner ◊ Geositta antarctica (X) 20 on N Tierra del Fuego; 8 at Gallego Chico. Rufous-banded Miner Geositta rufipennis 3 at El Yeso (fasciata).

25 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Creamy-rumped Miner ◊ Geositta isabellina 2 at El Yeso. Straight-billed Earthcreeper ruficaudus 1 near Zapahuira. Band-tailed Earthcreeper ◊ Ochetorhynchus phoenicurus (X) 1 near Oazy as usual. Crag Chilia ◊ Ochetorhynchus melanura 2 at El Yeso. Buff-breasted Earthcreeper Upucerthia validirostris 1 (LO) at the Tamarugo NR; H at Putre. White-throated Earthcreeper ◊ Upucerthia albigula 2 at Putre.

Dusky-tailed Canastero and Chilean Seaside Cinclodes.

Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria 4 at El Yeso; 4 in the far south. Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper ◊ Upucerthia saturatior 3 at Chillán on two dates. Buff-winged Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes fuscus 6 at El Yeso, 4 at Paine. Cream-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albiventris 13 around Putre and at Lauca on two dates. White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis 5 at Lauca. Grey-flanked Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes oustaleti 3 at El Yeso (oustaleti).

26 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com

Moustached Turca.

Dark-bellied Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes patagonicus 1 at Puyehue; 10 on Chiloe Island. Chilean Seaside Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes nigrofumosus 1 in Iquique harbour. 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 1 at Chaca (grisescens), 3 Campana (nom.). Streak-backed Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura striata Three singles below and around Putre. Sharp-billed Canastero (Lesser C) Asthenes pyrrholeuca 2 at El Yeso. Canyon Canastero ◊ Asthenes pudibunda 1 at Zapahuira; 2 at Putre. Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta 4 at Lauca. Dark-winged Canastero Asthenes arequipae 3 at Zapahuira; 5 at Putre. Austral Canastero ◊ Asthenes anthoides (X) 2 at Torres del Paine NP. Dusky-tailed Canastero ◊ Pseudasthenes humicola 6 at La Campana NP; 1 at Termas de Chillán. Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops 5 at the Maipo river mouth. White-throated Treerunner ◊ Pygarrhichas albogularis Small numbers from Vilches to Puyehue. Chestnut-throated Huet-huet ◊ Pteroptochos castaneus Protracted views at Vilches. H at Chillán. Black-throated Huet-huet ◊ Pteroptochos tarnii Two singles with one in the open at Puyehue. Moustached Turca ◊ Pteroptochos megapodius 2 at El Yeso showed well. White-throated Tapaculo ◊ albicollis Two seen by most at La Campana, many heard. Chucao Tapaculo ◊ Scelorchilus rubecula 1 seen at Vilches; 3 at Puyehue and many aural records. Ochre-flanked Tapaculo ◊ Eugralla paradoxa Repeated looks at 1 in Puyehue NP. Magellanic Tapaculo ◊ magellanicus 1 (LO) at El Yeso; 1 at Vilches; 1 at Paine; many H. Dusky Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus fuscus 1 showed well at La Campana with others H. White-crested Elaenia (Peruvian E) Elaenia [albiceps] modesta Singles at Chaca and San Miguel. Chilean Elaenia Elaenia chilensis Common in all Patagonian forest. Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant ◊ Anairetes reguloides 1 between Iquique and Arica. Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris 1 near Zapahuira. Tufted Tit-Tyrant ◊ Anairetes parulus Small numbers in C Chile south to Vilches. Ticking Doradito Pseudocolopteryx citreola 1 eventually showed well at the Rio Maipo. Many-coloured Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra 4 at the Maipo river.

27 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Fairly common in N oasis valleys. ◊ rufa Common on Chiloe Island; abundant in the far south. Andean Negrito Lessonia oreas 1 at Lauca NP.

Magellanic, left, and Dusky, right, Tapaculos.

Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillata 3 at the Maipo river. Puna Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola juninensis 6 or more at Lauca NP. Cinereous Ground tyrant Muscisaxicola cinereus 1 at El Yeso. White-fronted Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albifrons 8 at Lauca NP. Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola rufivertex Singles around and above Putre. White-browed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora 15 or more at El Yeso, 1 at Paine. Cinnamon-bellied Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola capistrata (X) 4 at Gallego Chico. Black-fronted Ground-Tyrant ◊ Muscisaxicola frontalis 4 at El Yeso. Great Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis lividus (X) An adult feeding two young near Puerto Natales. Fire-eyed Diucon ◊ Xolmis pyrope Regular encounters from the Maipo river southwards. Chocolate-vented Tyrant ◊ Neoxolmis rufiventris (X) 1 on Tierra del Fuego; 8 at Gallego Chico. White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys Singles at Zapahuira and Putre. Patagonian Tyrant ◊ Colorhamphus parvirostris 1 at Puyehue. Rufous-tailed Plantcutter ◊ Phytotoma rara Regular from the Maipo river to Sierra Baguales. Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni Ubiquitous in C and S Chile. Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Regular encounters. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 1 at the Maipo river mouth. 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 ◊ thenca Common in C Chile south to Chiloe. Not endemic! Patagonian Mockingbird ◊ Mimus patagonicus (X) 1 at Sierra de Baguales. Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Small numbers around Zapahuira and Putre. Austral Thrush ◊ Turdus falcklandii Common throughout C Chile and . House Sparrow Passer domesticus Present. Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera 4 at the Maipo river mouth; 1 at Batuco. Hellmayr's Pipit Anthus hellmayri 1 above Talca (dabbenei).

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Spectacled Tyrant.

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 3 at Lauca NP. Yellow-rumped Siskin ◊ Spinus uropygialis Over 100 at El Yeso was exceptional. 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. Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelaius thilius 4 at the Maipo river mouth; 4 at Batuco lake. Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis A pair at Putre. Cinereous Conebill 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 atriceps 1 at Zapahuira; 5 at Putre. 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 4 at Lauca; 4 at El Yeso. Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus Common at Putre-Lauca; 6 at El Yeso. Band-tailed Sierra Finch Phrygilus alaudinus 1 nr Putre (LO); 3 above Talca. White-bridled Finch ◊ Melanodera melanodera (X) 3 at Cerro Baqueano; over 100 at Gallego Chico. Yellow-bridled Finch ◊ Melanodera xanthogramma (X) 10 or more at Sierra de Baguales.

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Tamarugo Conebill, Ticking Doradito and Black-throated Flowerpiercer.

White-winged Diuca Finch Diuca speculifera 9 over two visits to Lauca. Common Diuca Finch Diuca diuca Regular in C Chile south to Chiloe. Slender-billed Finch ◊ Xenospingus concolor 6 or more in oasis valleys of the north. Greater Yellow Finch ◊ auriventris 200 or more at El Yeso was unprecidented. Greenish Yellow Finch Sicalis olivascens Many at Zapahuira, Putre and Lauca. Patagonian Yellow Finch ◊ Sicalis lebruni 2 out of Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego. Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola 4 at the Maipo river; 4 above Talca; 2 on Chiloe Island. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina 2 in the Azapa valley. Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco 3 in the Azapa valley. Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis 4 near Putre.

30 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Large Hairy Armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (X) 2 at the hotel near Torres del Paine. European Hare (Intr) Lepus europeus 1 NL at Chillán; common in the far south. European Rabbit (Intr) Oryctolagus cuniculus 4 at Chillán, and 1 on Tierra del Fuego. Southern Viscacha (Mountain V) Lagidium viscacia 6 at Lauca NP. Coypu (Nutria) Myocastor coypus 1 at Laguna El Peral. South American Grey Fox Pseudalopex griseus 1 at Puyehue; regular in the far south. Humboldt’s Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus humboldti (X) Two singles nr Paine. South American Sea Lion Otaria byronia Common at most coastal sites. Sei Whale Balaenoptera borealis 1 off Iquique. Commerson’s Dolphin Cephalorhynchus commersoni (X) 4 as we crossed the Magellan Straits. Peale's Dolphin Lagenorhynchus australis (X) 2 in the Magellan Straits at Bahia Azul. Dusky Dolphin Lagenorhynchus obscurus 1 while crossing to Chiloe Island. Huemul Hippocamelus bisulcus (X) A female at Torres del Paina had Puma clawmarks on its back. Guanaco Lama guanicoe (X) Abundant in the far south. Vicuña Vicugna vicugna Abundant at Lauca NP. Marine Otter Lontra felina 1 at Quintero.

31 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Chile 2018 www.birdquest-tours.com Green Turtle Chelonia mydas One on the Iquique pelagic. Desert Lizard Microlophus tarapacensis Common at the Tamarugo NP. Brilliant Lizard Liolaemus alticola One at Lauca NP. Thin Tree Lizard Liolaemus tenuis Male and female at the hotel in Olmos.

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