Highlights

With only 10% of its original area remaining, the Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s top conservation priorities. Some of the largest and best-preserved areas are in Argentina’s Misiones Province, including both the protected lowland forest around the world-famous Iguazu Falls, and the lesser-known but more endemic-rich upland Araucaria Forests further south.

Azure Jay

Key Bird Species and Families

• Black-fronted Piping-Guan
• Vinaceous-breasted Parrot
• Rusty-barred Owl
• Long-trained Nightjar
• Violet-crowned Plovercrest
• Buff-breasted Puffbird
• Spot-billed Toucanet
• Saffron Toucanet
• Helmeted Woodpecker
• Araucaria Tit-Spinetail
• Canebrake Groundcreeper
• Black-billed Scythebill
• White-bearded Antshrike
• Planalto Tapaculo
• Spotted Bamboowren
• Blue Manakin
• Cream-bellied Gnatcatcher
• Green-headed Tanager
• Black-throated Grosbeak
• Blackish-blue Seedeater
• and many more

Araucaria Tit-Spinetail

Best Regions for Birding

There are four principal areas birders generally visit:

• Iguazu National Park
• Urugua-i Provincial Park
• “Corredor Verde” along the Route 101 south of Andresito
• Araucaria Forests around San Pedro (Araucarias Provincial Park and Cruce Caballero Provincial Park)

Violet-capped Plovercrest

Best Birding Season

October to November

Black-fronted Piping Guan

Birding Trip Suggestion(s)

A week going from Puerto Iguazu (airport) with stops at

• San Pedro (2 days)
• Iguazu National Park (1 day)
• Urugua-i Provincial Park (1 day)
• Corredor Verde (2 days)

Green-headed Tanager

Practical Tips

Good idea to bring

• Mosquito repellent
• Rain gear
• Sunscreen
• Good walking boots

Vinaceous Amazon

Books

Birds of Argentina and Uruguay (Narosky and Yzurieta, 1992)

Links

www.toucanbirding.com

Helmeted Woodpecker

By Guy Cox

Guy has spent over thirty years in tropical South America, working as a guide and conservationist in Bolivia, before moving to the Atlantic Forest of Argentina’s Misiones Province 19 years ago. He can be reached at [email protected]

All photos by Martjan Lammertink, except Green-headed Tanager, Ramon Moller Jensen