Esteros de Farrapos e Islas del Río Uruguay National Park

Birds

The park’s wetlands and islands provide an important habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including migratory birds and local favorites.

Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)
One of the tallest flying birds in South America, the Jabiru is a striking stork with a black head and a massive bill. It wades through shallow waters, feeding on fish and amphibians.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large and vocal bird, the Southern Screamer is often seen near marshes and lakes. It has powerful legs for walking in wetlands and a loud, trumpet-like call.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
Recognizable by its elegant black neck and contrasting white body, this swan glides gracefully through the park’s waterways, feeding on aquatic vegetation.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
This beautiful wading bird, with its pink plumage and spoon-shaped bill, filters small fish and invertebrates from the water as it sweeps its beak side to side.

Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)
With its soft blue and yellow hues, the whistling heron is a distinctive bird of wetlands and open fields. It gets its name from its unique whistling calls.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
A dark-colored ibis with a striking white face, this species is often seen in flocks, probing muddy areas for insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
This raptor is commonly seen perched on fence posts or soaring over open landscapes in search of prey such as small mammals, reptiles, and insects.

Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
A solitary and well-camouflaged heron, this species waits patiently along the water’s edge to ambush fish and amphibians.

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)
A scavenger and opportunistic predator, the yellow-headed caracara is often seen foraging on the ground or perched in trees looking for insects, small animals, and carrion.

Azure Gallinule (Porphyrio flavirostris)
This striking, blue-plumaged bird inhabits marshes and wetlands, where it moves gracefully among floating vegetation, feeding on plants and small invertebrates.

The Esteros de Farrapos e Islas del Río Uruguay National Park is a haven for wildlife, providing critical habitat for these and many other species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.

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Esteros de Farrapos e Islas del Río Uruguay National Park, located in Uruguay along the Uruguay River, is a wetland paradise rich in biodiversity. This park is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its marshes, lagoons, and forested islands.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara, is a semi-aquatic mammal that inhabits the park’s wetlands. These social animals are often seen in groups near the water, grazing on aquatic plants and grasses.

Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
This elusive and playful otter species thrives in the park’s rivers and streams. It is an excellent swimmer and feeds on fish, crustaceans, and small amphibians.

Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous)
An adaptable canid, the crab-eating fox roams the park’s grasslands and woodlands in search of crabs, small mammals, and fruit. It is mostly nocturnal and known for its keen sense of smell.

Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
Once widespread in South America, the Pampas deer now survives in fragmented populations, including in this park. This graceful herbivore prefers open grasslands and is an important symbol of Uruguay’s natural heritage.

Black-and-white Tegu (Salvator merianae)
This large lizard is commonly found basking in the sun or foraging for eggs, insects, and small vertebrates. It is highly adaptable and one of the most widespread reptiles in the region.

Yacaré Caiman (Caiman yacare)
A medium-sized crocodilian, the Yacaré caiman inhabits the park’s wetlands and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance by preying on fish and invertebrates.

Southern Long-nosed Armadillo (Dasypus hybridus)
This small armadillo is known for its armored shell and burrowing habits. It is an insectivore, feeding primarily on ants and termites.

Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
A small but fierce wild cat, Geoffroy’s cat is nocturnal and elusive, hunting birds, rodents, and reptiles. It is well adapted to a variety of habitats, from wetlands to dry woodlands.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
This small carnivorous mammal resembles a weasel and is known for its agility and sharp hunting skills. It preys on small animals and is a skilled climber and digger.

Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
One of the largest snakes in South America, the yellow anaconda is semi-aquatic and thrives in the park’s floodplains. It preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals using constriction.

Birds

The park’s wetlands and islands provide an important habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including migratory birds and local favorites.

Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)
One of the tallest flying birds in South America, the Jabiru is a striking stork with a black head and a massive bill. It wades through shallow waters, feeding on fish and amphibians.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large and vocal bird, the Southern Screamer is often seen near marshes and lakes. It has powerful legs for walking in wetlands and a loud, trumpet-like call.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
Recognizable by its elegant black neck and contrasting white body, this swan glides gracefully through the park’s waterways, feeding on aquatic vegetation.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
This beautiful wading bird, with its pink plumage and spoon-shaped bill, filters small fish and invertebrates from the water as it sweeps its beak side to side.

Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)
With its soft blue and yellow hues, the whistling heron is a distinctive bird of wetlands and open fields. It gets its name from its unique whistling calls.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
A dark-colored ibis with a striking white face, this species is often seen in flocks, probing muddy areas for insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
This raptor is commonly seen perched on fence posts or soaring over open landscapes in search of prey such as small mammals, reptiles, and insects.

Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
A solitary and well-camouflaged heron, this species waits patiently along the water’s edge to ambush fish and amphibians.

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)
A scavenger and opportunistic predator, the yellow-headed caracara is often seen foraging on the ground or perched in trees looking for insects, small animals, and carrion.

Azure Gallinule (Porphyrio flavirostris)
This striking, blue-plumaged bird inhabits marshes and wetlands, where it moves gracefully among floating vegetation, feeding on plants and small invertebrates.

The Esteros de Farrapos e Islas del Río Uruguay National Park is a haven for wildlife, providing critical habitat for these and many other species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems.