Alerce Andino National Park

Birds

Alerce Andino National Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with its lush temperate rainforest and wetlands providing habitat for an incredible diversity of bird species, including rare and endemic ones.

Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus)
One of the largest woodpeckers in the world, the Magellanic woodpecker is easily recognized by its striking red head and powerful beak, which it uses to forage for insects in tree trunks.

Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula)
A small, elusive bird with a distinctive call, the chucao tapaculo is commonly found in the park’s dense undergrowth. It is an expert at navigating the forest floor in search of insects.

Black-throated Huet-huet (Pteroptochos tarnii)
Another secretive forest bird, the black-throated huet-huet is known for its loud and eerie calls. It forages among the leaf litter, searching for insects and small invertebrates.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor soars above the park’s mountains and valleys, scanning for carrion. It plays an essential role in the ecosystem as a scavenger.

Des Murs’ Wiretail (Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii)
A small and unique bird with an elongated tail, the Des Murs’ wiretail is an agile forager that moves through the forest in search of insects.

Slender-billed Parakeet (Enicognathus leptorhynchus)
An endemic parakeet of Chile, this species is often seen flying over the park in noisy flocks. It feeds on seeds and fruits from native trees.

White-throated Treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis)
This small bird behaves much like a woodpecker, climbing tree trunks to search for insects hiding beneath the bark.

Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
A tiny but fierce predator, the Austral pygmy owl is active during the day and preys on small birds and rodents. Its piercing yellow eyes and distinctive call make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Patagonian Tyrant (Colorhamphus parvirostris)
A small flycatcher that thrives in the cool, humid forests of Alerce Andino, the Patagonian tyrant feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

Spectacled Duck (Speculanas specularis)
A rare and beautiful duck species, the spectacled duck is often seen in the park’s rivers and lakes. It is easily recognized by its striking facial markings and iridescent wing feathers.

Alerce Andino National Park is a true natural wonder, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the last great temperate rainforests of the world. From ancient alerce trees to elusive pumas and rare birds, the park is a sanctuary for Chile’s unique and diverse wildlife, making it an essential destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Alerce Andino National Park, located in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile, is a breathtaking landscape of ancient forests, pristine rivers, and glacial lakes. The park is named after the majestic alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides), one of the oldest living tree species in the world, some of which are over 3,500 years old. This dense temperate rainforest provides a sanctuary for many unique and endemic species, making it one of Chile’s most ecologically significant conservation areas.

Pudu (Pudu puda)
The pudu is the world’s smallest deer, standing only about 40 cm (16 inches) tall at the shoulder. It thrives in the dense undergrowth of Alerce Andino’s forests, feeding on leaves, fruits, and bark while avoiding predators like pumas.

Puma (Puma concolor)
As the top predator of the park, the puma plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. It preys on pudus, rodents, and other small mammals, using stealth and power to hunt in the thick vegetation.

Kodkod (Leopardus guigna)
Also known as the güiña, this small and elusive wild cat is endemic to the forests of Chile and Argentina. It is an excellent climber and primarily hunts birds, rodents, and insects in the dense rainforest.

Darwin’s Fox (Lycalopex fulvipes)
One of the rarest canids in the world, Darwin’s fox is endemic to southern Chile. It is nocturnal and highly elusive, feeding on small mammals, birds, and fruits in the dense temperate forests.

South American Coati (Nasua nasua)
A social and curious mammal, the South American coati is often seen in groups foraging through the park’s forests. It uses its long snout to dig for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.

Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax)
This endangered otter species thrives in the park’s rivers and lakes. It is an excellent swimmer, preying on fish and crustaceans while relying on clean freshwater habitats to survive.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
An emblematic species of Chile, the huemul is an endangered deer that prefers remote and rugged terrain. Though rarely seen, it finds refuge in the park’s high-altitude forests and steep valleys.

Andean White-eared Opossum (Didelphis pernigra)
A nocturnal marsupial, this opossum is an important seed disperser in Alerce Andino’s ecosystem. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates, playing a key role in maintaining forest health.

Magellanic Tuco-tuco (Ctenomys magellanicus)
This small, burrowing rodent is adapted to the cool, wet climate of southern Chile. It spends most of its life underground, where it feeds on roots and grasses.

Black-necked Swamp Turtle (Acanthochelys spixii)
An uncommon reptile in the park, this freshwater turtle inhabits slow-moving rivers and marshes. It feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates while relying on clean water sources.