Birds30
More than 180 species of birds exist in the Valdes Peninsula either passing through on their chosen migratory route in flocks or alone or occupying a niche as a permanent resident. Many can be seen from Puerto Madryn or Puerto Piramides, while the observation of other species requires a more dedicated search in specific areas where they enjoy the solitude of this incredible geography, like “Bird Island” on the shores of Golfo San Jose. Here I have illustrated just 25 of these species.
Cormorant: Imperial – Rock – Neotropic
Imperial Cormorant Along the entire coast of continental Patagonia, the imperial cormorant is a species almost piscivorous but also feeds on marine invertebrates such as cephalopods, crustaceans, and polychaetes.
Southern Flamingo in Peninsula Valdes
The Southern Flamingo is a large bird, most often seen in flocks. They can measure five feet, are easily identified by their pink color on the outer feathers, their long neck, long legs, and large wings.
The Choique is a Patagonian symbol. Source of inspiration for stories and legends, the rhea is so present in folklore as in all the paths in Patagonia. It is a large, herbivorous, flightless bird. They use their soft wings as stabilizers and are fast runners.
Magellanic penguins
The Patagonian coast has many penguins throughout the extension. They vary in a number of members and species. Within Peninsula Valdes, there are 7 colonies of Magellanic penguins. the best known are two, one immense and the other small.
Great Grebe
The Great Grebe (Podicephorus major) is a coastal bird that is frequently seen in the Valdes Peninsula. Rarely seen in groups or on dry land, they are generally found swimming in shallow water close to the shore, alone or as a pair.
