Bernardo O’Higgins National Park

Birds

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is also a sanctuary for birdlife, with its fjords, glaciers, and forests providing habitat for a variety of seabirds, raptors, and endemic species.

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

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)
This magnificent seabird is frequently seen gliding over the fjords and open waters of the park. It nests on remote islands and travels vast distances across the Southern Ocean.

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 the park’s southern beech forests.

King Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps)
This striking seabird, also known as the imperial shag, nests along the park’s rocky coastlines and islands. It dives into the cold waters to catch fish and crustaceans.

Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)
Breeding in colonies along the park’s shores, Magellanic penguins are excellent swimmers that hunt small fish in the cold southern waters. They return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Chilean Skua (Stercorarius chilensis)
An aggressive and opportunistic seabird, the Chilean skua is known for stealing food from other birds and scavenging carrion along the coastline.

Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
A tiny but fierce predator, the Austral pygmy owl hunts small birds and rodents. It is active during the day and can often be seen perched on tree branches.

White-throated Treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis)
This small bird behaves much like a woodpecker, climbing tree trunks in search of insects hiding beneath the bark. It thrives in the park’s ancient forests.

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

Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida)
A coastal waterfowl species, the kelp goose is well adapted to the rocky shores of southern Chile. Males are entirely white, while females have dark brown, barred plumage.

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is one of Chile’s most remote and awe-inspiring natural areas, offering a sanctuary for iconic Patagonian wildlife. With its breathtaking glaciers, pristine fjords, and rugged landscapes, the park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

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Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, the largest protected area in Chile, spans the southern regions of Aysén and Magallanes, encompassing vast glaciers, fjords, and rugged Patagonian landscapes. The park is home to one of the most extensive ice fields outside Antarctica and Greenland, as well as a remarkable diversity of wildlife adapted to its extreme climate.

Puma (Puma concolor)
As the apex predator of the park, the puma roams the mountains, valleys, and coastal areas in search of guanacos, hares, and other prey. Its ability to survive in the cold, rugged terrain makes it one of Patagonia’s most resilient species.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A close relative of the llama, the guanaco is a common herbivore in the park. These social animals graze in groups on the windswept grasslands, playing a crucial role in the food chain as prey for pumas.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
Also known as the South Andean deer, this endangered species finds refuge in the remote and forested regions of Bernardo O’Higgins. It is an important symbol of Chile’s natural heritage and conservation efforts.

Marine Otter (Lontra felina)
Also called the “chungungo,” the marine otter is one of the smallest otter species in the world. It inhabits the rocky shores and kelp forests along the park’s fjords, where it hunts fish and crustaceans.

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

South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
Large colonies of South American sea lions can be found along the park’s rugged coastline. These social marine mammals are skilled hunters, feeding primarily on fish and squid.

Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)
The world’s largest seal species, the southern elephant seal, inhabits the cold waters of the park’s coastal areas. Males can weigh up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lbs) and engage in fierce battles for dominance during breeding season.

Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus humboldtii)
This nocturnal forager uses its powerful claws to dig for insects, small vertebrates, and roots. Like other skunks, it has a strong defensive spray to deter predators.

Magellanic Tuco-tuco (Ctenomys magellanicus)
A small, burrowing rodent, the Magellanic tuco-tuco is well adapted to the cold and windy conditions of southern Chile. It spends most of its life underground, feeding on roots and grasses.

Fuegian Red Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus magellanicus)
A subspecies of the culpeo fox, the Fuegian red fox is an opportunistic predator that hunts rodents, birds, and invertebrates. It is well adapted to the harsh conditions of Patagonia’s coastal and mountainous environments.

Birds

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is also a sanctuary for birdlife, with its fjords, glaciers, and forests providing habitat for a variety of seabirds, raptors, and endemic species.

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

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)
This magnificent seabird is frequently seen gliding over the fjords and open waters of the park. It nests on remote islands and travels vast distances across the Southern Ocean.

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 the park’s southern beech forests.

King Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps)
This striking seabird, also known as the imperial shag, nests along the park’s rocky coastlines and islands. It dives into the cold waters to catch fish and crustaceans.

Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)
Breeding in colonies along the park’s shores, Magellanic penguins are excellent swimmers that hunt small fish in the cold southern waters. They return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Chilean Skua (Stercorarius chilensis)
An aggressive and opportunistic seabird, the Chilean skua is known for stealing food from other birds and scavenging carrion along the coastline.

Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
A tiny but fierce predator, the Austral pygmy owl hunts small birds and rodents. It is active during the day and can often be seen perched on tree branches.

White-throated Treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis)
This small bird behaves much like a woodpecker, climbing tree trunks in search of insects hiding beneath the bark. It thrives in the park’s ancient forests.

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

Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida)
A coastal waterfowl species, the kelp goose is well adapted to the rocky shores of southern Chile. Males are entirely white, while females have dark brown, barred plumage.

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is one of Chile’s most remote and awe-inspiring natural areas, offering a sanctuary for iconic Patagonian wildlife. With its breathtaking glaciers, pristine fjords, and rugged landscapes, the park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.