Archipiélago de Juan Fernández National Park

Birds

Archipiélago de Juan Fernández National Park is one of the most unique and ecologically significant places on Earth, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness rare and endemic species.  Here are some favored bird species:

Juan Fernández Firecrown (Sephanoides fernandensis)
This remarkable hummingbird, found only on Robinson Crusoe Island, is one of the most endangered birds in the world. It relies on native plants for nectar and is a key pollinator in the ecosystem.

Masafuera Rayadito (Aphrastura masafuerae)
Endemic to Alejandro Selkirk Island, this critically endangered songbird is closely related to mainland Chile’s rayadito but has adapted to the island’s dense forests. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival.

Juan Fernández Tit-tyrant (Anairetes fernandezianus)
A small flycatcher endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island, the Juan Fernández tit-tyrant is a rare and elusive species that thrives in native forests, where it hunts insects.

De Filippi’s Petrel (Pterodroma defilippiana)
This seabird breeds on the Juan Fernández Islands and spends much of its life over the open ocean. It is highly threatened by invasive species such as rats and cats, which prey on its eggs and chicks.

Stejneger’s Petrel (Pterodroma longirostris)
An endangered species that nests in burrows on Alejandro Selkirk Island, Stejneger’s petrel undertakes long migrations across the Pacific Ocean outside the breeding season.

Pink-footed Shearwater (Ardenna creatopus)
This seabird nests in burrows on Robinson Crusoe Island and forages for fish and squid in the surrounding waters. It is considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and introduced predators.

Juan Fernández Sparrowhawk (Buteo polyosoma exsul)
A subspecies of the variable hawk, this bird of prey is found only on Robinson Crusoe Island. It hunts small mammals, birds, and insects in the island’s forests.

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)
This large seabird can be seen soaring over the waters surrounding the archipelago. It breeds on islands in the Southern Ocean but frequently visits the nutrient-rich waters of Juan Fernández.

Chilean Elaenia (Elaenia chilensis)
Although more commonly found on the Chilean mainland, the Chilean elaenia is a visitor to the Juan Fernández Islands, where it feeds on fruits and insects in the forests.

Great Grebe (Podiceps major)
A striking waterbird, the great grebe can be found in the island’s coastal lagoons and sheltered bays, where it dives to catch fish.

With its rugged landscapes, diverse birdlife, and thriving marine ecosystems, the park remains a conservation priority and an extraordinary destination for nature lovers and researchers alike.

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Archipiélago de Juan Fernández National Park, located off the coast of Chile in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its extraordinary biodiversity and high number of endemic species. The remote volcanic islands of Robinson Crusoe, Alejandro Selkirk, and Santa Clara create a unique ecosystem where both land and marine wildlife thrive, making this park one of the most ecologically significant areas in Chile.

Juan Fernández Fur Seal (Arctocephalus philippii)
Once hunted to near extinction, the Juan Fernández fur seal has made a remarkable recovery and is now commonly seen resting on the rocky shores of the archipelago. These agile swimmers hunt for fish and squid in the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands.

South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
A frequent visitor to the islands, the South American sea lion forms noisy colonies along the coast. Males are much larger than females and fiercely defend their territories during breeding season.

Juan Fernández Red-backed Mouse (Aconaemys fuscus)
This small, endemic rodent is adapted to the islands’ rugged terrain. It primarily feeds on seeds and plant material, playing an important role in the local ecosystem as a seed disperser.

Robinson Crusoe Island Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis definitus)
Endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island, this nocturnal rodent is found in forested areas and rocky landscapes. It has adapted to the island’s unique vegetation and is an important prey species for raptors.

Juan Fernández Spiny Lobster (Jasus frontalis)
One of the most economically valuable species in the archipelago, this large lobster is endemic to the waters surrounding the islands. It is a key component of local fisheries and a sought-after delicacy.

Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus)
These playful and social dolphins are frequently seen around the archipelago, often riding the waves near boats. They hunt fish and squid in the deep waters surrounding the islands.

Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
One of the largest marine mammals, the sperm whale is occasionally spotted near the Juan Fernández Islands. These deep-diving whales feed primarily on squid and can dive to great depths in search of prey.

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Humpback whales migrate through the waters of the archipelago, especially during their breeding and calving seasons. They are known for their acrobatic breaches and haunting songs.

Moray Eel (Gymnothorax spp.)
A common predator in the rocky reefs surrounding the islands, moray eels are highly effective hunters, using their powerful jaws to capture fish and crustaceans.

Juan Fernández Firecrown (Sephanoides fernandensis)
The only hummingbird species in the world restricted to an oceanic island, this critically endangered bird is endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island. Males have a striking red-orange coloration, while females display greenish plumage.

Birds

Archipiélago de Juan Fernández National Park is one of the most unique and ecologically significant places on Earth, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness rare and endemic species.  Here are some favored bird species:

Juan Fernández Firecrown (Sephanoides fernandensis)
This remarkable hummingbird, found only on Robinson Crusoe Island, is one of the most endangered birds in the world. It relies on native plants for nectar and is a key pollinator in the ecosystem.

Masafuera Rayadito (Aphrastura masafuerae)
Endemic to Alejandro Selkirk Island, this critically endangered songbird is closely related to mainland Chile’s rayadito but has adapted to the island’s dense forests. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival.

Juan Fernández Tit-tyrant (Anairetes fernandezianus)
A small flycatcher endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island, the Juan Fernández tit-tyrant is a rare and elusive species that thrives in native forests, where it hunts insects.

De Filippi’s Petrel (Pterodroma defilippiana)
This seabird breeds on the Juan Fernández Islands and spends much of its life over the open ocean. It is highly threatened by invasive species such as rats and cats, which prey on its eggs and chicks.

Stejneger’s Petrel (Pterodroma longirostris)
An endangered species that nests in burrows on Alejandro Selkirk Island, Stejneger’s petrel undertakes long migrations across the Pacific Ocean outside the breeding season.

Pink-footed Shearwater (Ardenna creatopus)
This seabird nests in burrows on Robinson Crusoe Island and forages for fish and squid in the surrounding waters. It is considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and introduced predators.

Juan Fernández Sparrowhawk (Buteo polyosoma exsul)
A subspecies of the variable hawk, this bird of prey is found only on Robinson Crusoe Island. It hunts small mammals, birds, and insects in the island’s forests.

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)
This large seabird can be seen soaring over the waters surrounding the archipelago. It breeds on islands in the Southern Ocean but frequently visits the nutrient-rich waters of Juan Fernández.

Chilean Elaenia (Elaenia chilensis)
Although more commonly found on the Chilean mainland, the Chilean elaenia is a visitor to the Juan Fernández Islands, where it feeds on fruits and insects in the forests.

Great Grebe (Podiceps major)
A striking waterbird, the great grebe can be found in the island’s coastal lagoons and sheltered bays, where it dives to catch fish.

With its rugged landscapes, diverse birdlife, and thriving marine ecosystems, the park remains a conservation priority and an extraordinary destination for nature lovers and researchers alike.