Cabo Polonio National Park

Birds

Cabo Polonio National Park is a prime destination for birdwatching, with a diverse array of coastal, grassland, and wetland bird species. Many migratory birds also pass through the area, making it an exciting location for spotting rare and seasonal species.

Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans)
This ground-dwelling bird is well-camouflaged among the grasslands of Cabo Polonio. It has a distinctive feathered crest and a high-pitched call that echoes through the dunes.

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
With its striking black-and-white plumage and bright red bill, the American oystercatcher is a common sight along the rocky shores and sandy beaches. It uses its powerful bill to pry open shellfish.

Brown-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus maculipennis)
A medium-sized gull that frequents the coastal areas, it has a distinctive brown head during the breeding season. These birds are opportunistic feeders, scavenging along the shoreline and sometimes stealing food from other birds.

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)
The largest bird in South America, the greater rhea, is found in the open grasslands of the park. These flightless birds are excellent runners and form small groups while foraging for plants, seeds, and insects.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
Easily recognizable by its black neck and white body, this swan is often found in wetlands near the park. It is a graceful swimmer and feeds mainly on aquatic plants.

Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango)
A common scavenger and bird of prey, the Chimango caracara is often seen soaring above the park. It feeds on carrion, insects, and small animals, playing an important role in the ecosystem.

Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)
This elegant heron is known for its soft whistling calls and is often seen wading in shallow waters in search of fish and amphibians. Its long legs and slender neck give it a distinctive silhouette.

White Monjita (Xolmis irupero)
A striking white bird with black markings on its wings, the white monjita is a common sight in open fields and coastal scrublands. It perches on fence posts and low branches while scanning for insects.

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
This bold and aggressive flycatcher is often seen chasing away larger birds from its territory. It has a bright yellow belly and grayish head, and it hunts insects in mid-air with impressive agility.

Spectacled Tyrant (Hymenops perspicillatus)
Named for its striking black-and-white coloration and bright yellow eye-ring, the spectacled tyrant is often found near wetlands and grassy areas. Males perform dramatic display flights during the breeding season.

Cabo Polonio National Park offers a unique combination of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.

Cabo Polonio National Park, located on the eastern coast of Uruguay, is known for its remote, rugged landscape and rich biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, including marine mammals, reptiles, and terrestrial mammals that thrive in its coastal dunes, grasslands, and rocky shores.

South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
One of the most iconic species in the park, the South American sea lion can often be seen lounging on the rocky shores and beaches. Males are much larger than females and have a distinctive thick mane of fur around their necks. These social animals live in large colonies and are known for their loud, barking calls.

South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis)
This species is slightly smaller than the sea lion and has a thicker, more luxurious coat. The fur seals prefer the rocky outcrops of Cabo Polonio’s coastline, where they rest between foraging trips in the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike sea lions, fur seals have a more pointed snout and use their hind flippers to move efficiently on land.

Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)
These massive whales migrate along the Uruguayan coast and can sometimes be spotted offshore from Cabo Polonio during their breeding season (June to November). They are known for their slow movements, V-shaped blow, and distinctive callosities on their heads.

Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
Also known as the Azara’s fox, this small, omnivorous canid is common in the park’s grasslands and dunes. It has a grayish coat with a white underside and feeds on small mammals, birds, fruits, and insects.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
This small carnivorous mammal belongs to the weasel family and has a sleek body adapted for hunting in dense vegetation. It preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles, making it an important predator in the park’s ecosystem.

Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
A small and elusive wild cat, Geoffroy’s cat is primarily nocturnal and preys on small mammals and birds. Its spotted coat provides excellent camouflage in the scrublands and grasslands of the park.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara, is occasionally seen in wetlands near the park. They are highly social animals and spend much of their time near water, where they can quickly escape from predators.

Coastal Tegu Lizard (Salvator merianae)
This large, black-and-white tegu lizard is one of the most common reptiles in the region. It is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates, and is well-adapted to the sandy and rocky terrain of the park.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Although more commonly seen offshore, green sea turtles sometimes nest on the beaches of Cabo Polonio. These marine reptiles are known for their long migrations and herbivorous diet, feeding primarily on seagrasses and algae.

Southern Three-Banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)
This small armadillo is capable of rolling itself into a ball when threatened. It inhabits the dry grasslands of the park and feeds on insects and small invertebrates, using its sharp claws to dig for food.