Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park

Birds

Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its fog forests and coastal cliffs providing a habitat for a variety of bird species, some of which are endemic to Chile.

Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
A social and noisy parrot, the burrowing parrot nests in cliffs and forages in the park’s woodlands and shrublands. It is an important seed disperser in the ecosystem.

White-throated Tapaculo (Scelorchilus albicollis)
A secretive bird that thrives in the dense understory of the fog forest, the white-throated tapaculo is best detected by its loud, distinctive calls.

Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
The largest hummingbird in the world, this species is often seen hovering near flowers in search of nectar. Its ability to survive in both arid and fog-fed environments makes it a unique resident of the park.

Chilean Tinamou (Nothoprocta perdicaria)
A ground-dwelling bird with excellent camouflage, the Chilean tinamou forages for seeds and insects in the dry grasslands and shrublands of the park.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A powerful bird of prey, the variable hawk soars above the park’s valleys and forests in search of rodents and small reptiles.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor glides effortlessly over the park’s cliffs and coastal areas, scanning for carrion.

Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura aegithaloides)
This small, active songbird is commonly seen flitting through the fog forest, foraging for insects among the dense vegetation.

Chilean Mockingbird (Mimus thenca)
A vocal and inquisitive bird, the Chilean mockingbird is found throughout the park, where it feeds on insects and fruits while singing melodious songs.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
A dominant raptor of the region, this eagle is frequently seen perched on rocky cliffs, hunting for small mammals and birds.

Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus)
A coastal species commonly seen near the shores of the park, the Peruvian pelican hunts fish using its large, expandable bill pouch while flying low over the ocean.

Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park is a rare and remarkable example of how fog sustains life in an otherwise arid environment. With its unique blend of desert and rainforest species, the park offers visitors a glimpse into one of Chile’s most unusual and fragile ecosystems. Whether exploring the mysterious fog forests, spotting rare birds, or hiking through its rugged landscapes, Bosque de Fray Jorge remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Popular

Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park, located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, is a unique and unexpected ecosystem where a lush, fog-fed forest thrives in the middle of an otherwise arid coastal desert. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to an extraordinary mix of wildlife, with species from both the Atacama Desert and the temperate Valdivian Rainforest coexisting in this rare environment.

Puma (Puma concolor)
As the top predator in the park, the puma is a stealthy and powerful hunter that preys on guanacos, rodents, and smaller mammals. Though rarely seen, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A resilient herbivore, the guanaco roams the park’s dry shrublands, grazing on tough vegetation. It is well-adapted to harsh environments and serves as an important prey species for pumas.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this intelligent and adaptable carnivore hunts rodents, birds, and invertebrates. It is frequently seen in the park’s forests and scrublands.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
This small fox is a skilled hunter and scavenger, feeding on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. It thrives in the park’s diverse habitats, from coastal areas to fog forests.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A nocturnal rodent, Darwin’s leaf-eared mouse is well adapted to the arid conditions of the park. It feeds on seeds and plant material, playing an important role in seed dispersal.

Southern Long-nosed Bat (Platalina genovensium)
One of the few nectar-feeding bats in Chile, this species plays a critical role in pollinating desert plants, including cacti. It emerges at night to feed on flowers in the fog-fed forests and surrounding dry areas.

Andean Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)
This armored mammal is a burrowing expert, using its strong claws to dig for insects and roots. It is most active at night and is well adapted to the dry environment of the park.

Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
A small and elusive wild cat, Geoffroy’s cat hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles. It prefers dense vegetation for cover and is rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits.

Chilean Slender Snake (Philodryas chamissonis)
One of the few snake species in Chile, this non-venomous reptile hunts lizards and small rodents in the park’s dry and forested areas.

Maguay Lizard (Liolaemus magellanicus)
This hardy lizard thrives in the rocky outcrops and desert-like conditions of the park. It feeds on insects and small plants and is an important prey species for birds of prey.

Birds

Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its fog forests and coastal cliffs providing a habitat for a variety of bird species, some of which are endemic to Chile.

Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
A social and noisy parrot, the burrowing parrot nests in cliffs and forages in the park’s woodlands and shrublands. It is an important seed disperser in the ecosystem.

White-throated Tapaculo (Scelorchilus albicollis)
A secretive bird that thrives in the dense understory of the fog forest, the white-throated tapaculo is best detected by its loud, distinctive calls.

Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
The largest hummingbird in the world, this species is often seen hovering near flowers in search of nectar. Its ability to survive in both arid and fog-fed environments makes it a unique resident of the park.

Chilean Tinamou (Nothoprocta perdicaria)
A ground-dwelling bird with excellent camouflage, the Chilean tinamou forages for seeds and insects in the dry grasslands and shrublands of the park.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A powerful bird of prey, the variable hawk soars above the park’s valleys and forests in search of rodents and small reptiles.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor glides effortlessly over the park’s cliffs and coastal areas, scanning for carrion.

Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura aegithaloides)
This small, active songbird is commonly seen flitting through the fog forest, foraging for insects among the dense vegetation.

Chilean Mockingbird (Mimus thenca)
A vocal and inquisitive bird, the Chilean mockingbird is found throughout the park, where it feeds on insects and fruits while singing melodious songs.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
A dominant raptor of the region, this eagle is frequently seen perched on rocky cliffs, hunting for small mammals and birds.

Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus)
A coastal species commonly seen near the shores of the park, the Peruvian pelican hunts fish using its large, expandable bill pouch while flying low over the ocean.

Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park is a rare and remarkable example of how fog sustains life in an otherwise arid environment. With its unique blend of desert and rainforest species, the park offers visitors a glimpse into one of Chile’s most unusual and fragile ecosystems. Whether exploring the mysterious fog forests, spotting rare birds, or hiking through its rugged landscapes, Bosque de Fray Jorge remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.