Volcán Isluga National Park

Birds

Volcán Isluga National Park is also a crucial habitat for a variety of high-altitude bird species, many of which rely on the park’s wetlands, salt flats, and rocky landscapes for food and nesting.

Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
One of the rarest flamingo species in the world, the Andean flamingo migrates through the park’s high-altitude wetlands, feeding on microscopic organisms in the mineral-rich waters.

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)
Also known as the Puna flamingo, this high-altitude specialist is commonly found in the shallow saltwater lagoons, where it filters algae and plankton.

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
Distinguished by its pale pink plumage and gray legs with red joints, the Chilean flamingo is a frequent visitor to the park’s salt flats, feeding on algae and small crustaceans.

Puna Teal (Spatula puna)
A striking waterfowl species, the Puna teal is commonly found in the park’s lagoons, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
A large, hardy goose species, the Andean goose grazes in the park’s wetland areas and puna grasslands, where it feeds on vegetation.

Horned Coot (Fulica cornuta)
An unusual high-altitude coot species, the horned coot is recognized by its distinctive frontal shield. It builds large floating nests in Andean wetlands.

Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (Attagis gayi)
A master of camouflage, this high-altitude bird blends into the rocky slopes of the park, where it forages for small seeds and vegetation.

Black-winged Ground Dove (Metriopelia melanoptera)
A hardy species adapted to cold desert conditions, the black-winged ground dove is commonly seen foraging for seeds near rocky outcrops.

Puna Miner (Geositta punensis)
A small ground-dwelling bird, the Puna miner is well adapted to the dry and barren landscapes of the park, where it searches for insects and seeds.

Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina)
A graceful wader with a distinctively upturned bill, the Andean avocet is often found in the park’s shallow lagoons, where it feeds on invertebrates.

Volcán Isluga National Park is a breathtaking Andean landscape, where towering volcanoes, vast salt flats, and wetlands sustain a rich variety of wildlife. Whether watching flamingos wade through the mineral-rich lagoons, spotting vicuñas grazing on the Altiplano, or trekking near the imposing Volcán Isluga, visitors to the park experience the incredible biodiversity and dramatic scenery of Chile’s northern highlands.

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Volcán Isluga National Park, located in the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile, is a high-altitude wilderness featuring towering volcanoes, vast salt flats, steaming geysers, and Andean wetlands. The park is named after Volcán Isluga (5,550 meters / 18,209 feet), an active stratovolcano that dominates the landscape. Despite the harsh conditions of the Altiplano, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including hardy mammals and spectacular high-altitude bird species that thrive in this extreme environment.

Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)
A relative of the llama, the vicuña is well-adapted to the park’s high-altitude environment. Its thick wool coat helps insulate against freezing temperatures, and it grazes on the sparse vegetation of the Altiplano.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
Thriving in the dry and rugged terrain, the guanaco is an essential herbivore that plays a key role in the ecosystem as a primary prey species for pumas.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator of the park, the puma is an elusive and powerful hunter that preys on guanacos, vicuñas, and smaller mammals. It is rarely seen due to its solitary nature.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this intelligent carnivore hunts rodents, birds, and insects. It is frequently spotted in the park’s open salt flats and rocky outcrops.

Andean Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)
A burrowing mammal well adapted to the dry high-altitude environment, this armadillo feeds on insects, roots, and small invertebrates and is often found near rocky formations.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but aggressive mustelid, the lesser grison preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles in the desert-like landscapes of the park.

Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium viscacia)
Resembling a large rabbit, the mountain viscacha is commonly found among rocky slopes, where it feeds on shrubs, mosses, and lichens.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A nocturnal rodent that has adapted to high-altitude conditions, this species plays an important role in seed dispersal and serves as prey for raptors and foxes.

Puna Mouse (Auliscomys sublimis)
A small rodent that thrives in the cold desert conditions of the park, the Puna mouse is a vital food source for many predators.

Andean Toad (Rhinella spinulosa)
One of the few amphibians found in high-altitude environments, the Andean toad depends on the park’s seasonal wetlands for breeding and survival.

Birds

Volcán Isluga National Park is also a crucial habitat for a variety of high-altitude bird species, many of which rely on the park’s wetlands, salt flats, and rocky landscapes for food and nesting.

Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
One of the rarest flamingo species in the world, the Andean flamingo migrates through the park’s high-altitude wetlands, feeding on microscopic organisms in the mineral-rich waters.

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)
Also known as the Puna flamingo, this high-altitude specialist is commonly found in the shallow saltwater lagoons, where it filters algae and plankton.

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
Distinguished by its pale pink plumage and gray legs with red joints, the Chilean flamingo is a frequent visitor to the park’s salt flats, feeding on algae and small crustaceans.

Puna Teal (Spatula puna)
A striking waterfowl species, the Puna teal is commonly found in the park’s lagoons, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
A large, hardy goose species, the Andean goose grazes in the park’s wetland areas and puna grasslands, where it feeds on vegetation.

Horned Coot (Fulica cornuta)
An unusual high-altitude coot species, the horned coot is recognized by its distinctive frontal shield. It builds large floating nests in Andean wetlands.

Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (Attagis gayi)
A master of camouflage, this high-altitude bird blends into the rocky slopes of the park, where it forages for small seeds and vegetation.

Black-winged Ground Dove (Metriopelia melanoptera)
A hardy species adapted to cold desert conditions, the black-winged ground dove is commonly seen foraging for seeds near rocky outcrops.

Puna Miner (Geositta punensis)
A small ground-dwelling bird, the Puna miner is well adapted to the dry and barren landscapes of the park, where it searches for insects and seeds.

Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina)
A graceful wader with a distinctively upturned bill, the Andean avocet is often found in the park’s shallow lagoons, where it feeds on invertebrates.

Volcán Isluga National Park is a breathtaking Andean landscape, where towering volcanoes, vast salt flats, and wetlands sustain a rich variety of wildlife. Whether watching flamingos wade through the mineral-rich lagoons, spotting vicuñas grazing on the Altiplano, or trekking near the imposing Volcán Isluga, visitors to the park experience the incredible biodiversity and dramatic scenery of Chile’s northern highlands.