Kawésqar National Park

Birds

Kawésqar National Park is also an important sanctuary for seabirds, with its remote cliffs and islands providing nesting grounds for many rare 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 fjords, scanning for carrion. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)
A master of long-distance flight, the black-browed albatross glides effortlessly over the Southern Ocean, returning to the park’s cliffs to breed.

Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
An aggressive seabird, the southern giant petrel scavenges carrion and hunts fish, squid, and even smaller birds.

Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)
Breeding along the park’s rocky coastlines, Magellanic penguins are excellent swimmers that hunt small fish in the nutrient-rich waters of the region.

Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)
Easily recognized by its distinctive yellow crest, the rockhopper penguin is an agile climber that nests on the park’s steep cliffs.

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.

Imperial Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps)
Also known as the imperial shag, this striking seabird nests in large colonies along the park’s islands and coastal cliffs. It dives into the frigid waters to catch fish and crustaceans.

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

Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
A small 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 songbird behaves much like a woodpecker, climbing tree trunks to search for insects hiding beneath the bark.

Kawésqar National Park is one of Chile’s wildest and most remote protected areas, offering a sanctuary for an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. With its towering fjords, ancient forests, and untouched marine ecosystems, the park remains a crucial refuge for some of the most fascinating species of Patagonia, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

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Kawésqar National Park, located in the Magallanes Region of southern Chile, is one of the largest protected areas in the country, covering vast fjords, glaciers, islands, and temperate rainforests. Named after the indigenous Kawésqar people, this remote park safeguards an extraordinary variety of marine and terrestrial species that thrive in its rugged and pristine landscapes. Its mix of sub-Antarctic forests, coastal ecosystems, and icy waters makes it a haven for some of Chile’s most remarkable wildlife.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator of Kawésqar National Park, the puma is an elusive and powerful hunter. It preys on guanacos, rodents, and seabirds, using its stealth and agility to survive in Patagonia’s extreme conditions.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A close relative of the llama, the guanaco is the park’s most common large herbivore. These hardy animals graze in the windswept grasslands and serve as a key prey species for pumas.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
Also known as the South Andean deer, the huemul is a rare and endangered species that finds refuge in the remote forests and steep mountain slopes of the park. It is a national symbol of Chile.

Fuegian Red Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus magellanicus)
A subspecies of the culpeo fox, this adaptable predator and scavenger thrives in the park’s forests and coastal areas, feeding on rodents, seabirds, and invertebrates.

Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus humboldtii)
A nocturnal forager, the Patagonian hog-nosed skunk uses its powerful claws to dig for insects, small vertebrates, and roots. It has a strong defensive spray to deter predators.

Marine Otter (Lontra felina)
One of the smallest otter species in the world, the marine otter inhabits the rocky coastlines of the park, where it hunts fish, mollusks, and crustaceans in the cold Pacific waters.

Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax)
This endangered otter species can be found in the park’s freshwater rivers and lakes, relying on clean water habitats to hunt fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
Large colonies of South American sea lions can be found resting on the rocky shores of the park’s fjords and islands. These social marine mammals are skilled hunters of fish and squid.

Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)
The world’s largest seal species, the southern elephant seal, occasionally hauls out on the park’s remote beaches. Males can reach up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lbs) and engage in fierce battles for dominance during the breeding season.

Peale’s Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis)
This active and social species is frequently seen swimming in the park’s fjords and open waters, hunting fish and squid.

Birds

Kawésqar National Park is also an important sanctuary for seabirds, with its remote cliffs and islands providing nesting grounds for many rare 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 fjords, scanning for carrion. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)
A master of long-distance flight, the black-browed albatross glides effortlessly over the Southern Ocean, returning to the park’s cliffs to breed.

Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
An aggressive seabird, the southern giant petrel scavenges carrion and hunts fish, squid, and even smaller birds.

Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)
Breeding along the park’s rocky coastlines, Magellanic penguins are excellent swimmers that hunt small fish in the nutrient-rich waters of the region.

Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)
Easily recognized by its distinctive yellow crest, the rockhopper penguin is an agile climber that nests on the park’s steep cliffs.

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.

Imperial Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps)
Also known as the imperial shag, this striking seabird nests in large colonies along the park’s islands and coastal cliffs. It dives into the frigid waters to catch fish and crustaceans.

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

Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
A small 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 songbird behaves much like a woodpecker, climbing tree trunks to search for insects hiding beneath the bark.

Kawésqar National Park is one of Chile’s wildest and most remote protected areas, offering a sanctuary for an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. With its towering fjords, ancient forests, and untouched marine ecosystems, the park remains a crucial refuge for some of the most fascinating species of Patagonia, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.