FAUNA Paraguay Star Birds
The following is an introduction to 10 of the Paraguayan species most sought by visiting birdwatchers. If you are looking for expert birding guides in Paraguay click here.
WHITE-WINGED NIGHTJAR Eleothreptus candicans
Two of the three reliable global locations for this species are in Paraguay. Arguably the world`s most beautiful nightjar, the white wings and tail of the male give it a magical, ghost-like appearance as it floats through the night sky. This species is endemic to the cerrado region.
Globally Endangered
Where to See it - Laguna Blanca
HELMETED WOODPECKER Dryocopus galeatus
This handsome woodpecker is unfortunately also one of the world`s rarest. Little known in neighbouring Brazil and Argentina, Paraguay is supports the majority of the world`s population. They are easiest to locate during the breeding season (Sep-Dec) when the characteristic call betrays the presence of this usually secretive bird.
Globally Vulnerable
Where to See it - San Rafael National Park
BLACK-FRONTED PIPING-GUAN Pipile jacutinga
Like many Cracids this species has gone into population meltdown. Hunted for food in many areas, the range is now much fragmented. As elsewhere the Paraguayan population is low, but fortunately most occur within protected areas. Paraguay may be the global stronghold for this species.
Globally Endangered
Where to See it - Mbaracayù
SAFFRON-COWLED BLACKBIRD
Xanthopsar flavus
A gorgeous, threatened Icterid. Typical of seasonally-flooded grassland, numbers have declined due to draining and random burning of their habitat. Recent censuses proved Paraguay to be the global stronghold of this species.
Globally Vulnerable
Where to See it - Kanguery, San Rafael National Park
LESSER NOTHURA Nothura minor
The only known site for this rare tinamou outside of Brazil is in Paraguay and it is perhaps easier to see here than anywhere else. A tiny bird, they gather to call at dusk when, with care, they can be approached to within a few metres, confident that their cryptic colouration will afford them protection.
Globally Vulnerable
Where to See It - Laguna Blanca
VINACEOUS-BREASTED AMAZON Amazona vinacea
This large parrot has declined rapidly as a result of forest clearance and is now absent from much of its former range. In some areas of eastern Paraguay it can still be easy to see and at Itabó it usually the first large parrot that the visitor encounters.
Globally Endangered
Where to See it - Itabó Itaipú Reserve
BARE-THROATED BELLBIRD Procnias nudicollis
National bird of Paraguay. The “Guyra Pong” is much more often heard than seen. Displaying males produce an incredible crescendo of noise as they gather to compete for a mate. An Atlantic forest endemic declining rapidly with the loss of habitat, though still common in some areas of Central Paraguay.
Globally Vulnerable
Where to See it - Mbaracayú
SAFFRON TOUCANET Pteroglossus bailloni
The “banana toucan”, this is arguably the most beautiful member of a family with plenty of contenders. A gregarious Atlantic forest endemic, it can be surprisingly easy to overlook despite its bright colouration. They are creatures of habit though and stake out the right fruiting trees and they will oblige eventually.
Globally Near Threatened
Where to See it - San Rafael National Park
OCHRE-BREASTED PIPIT Anthus nattereri
A distinctive species by pipit standards, this threatened species is easier to see in Paraguay than anywhere else on earth. Typical of the tussocky grasslands in the south of the country, it can be easily identified by its rich colouration and distinctive display flights.
Globally Vulnerable
Where to See it - Yabebyry
BLACK-BODIED WOODPECKER
Dryocopus schulzi
An extremely rare Chaco endemic with a range restricted to Paraguay and northern Argentina. This is a large, eyecatching species that is nowhere common, but well worth the effort required to see it.
Globally Near Threatened
Where to See it - Chaco
Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law.
Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay.
Photographs on this web-site were taken by Paul Smith, Hemme Batjes, Regis Nossent,
Alberto Esquivel, Arne Lesterhuis, José Luis Cartes, Rebecca Zarza and Hugo del Castillo and are used with their permission.
