Birdwatching in Islas Malvinas (Falkland)

Throughout the Falkland Islands, there are numerous and diverse opportunities for birdwatching. The islands are home to some of the largest colonies of both rare and fascinating bird species. Among the notable species, besides the ubiquitous penguins, are albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, geese, the curious striated caracara, and three endemic species: Cobb’s wren, the Falklands Flightless Steamer Duck, and the Tussac bird.

Birdlife is everywhere, but if your goal is to see a particular species, it’s worth researching your destination to ensure you’ll be able to find it. Cobb’s wrens inhabit rodent-free islands. The captivating striated caracara, found on most offshore islands, is a delight to observe, though it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, as this bird has a thieving tendency.

Sooty shearwaters gather in large offshore groups, creating stunning sights and sounds as they return to their nests in the tussac grass at dusk. Kidney Island, accessible from our capital, Stanley, hosts the largest breeding colony of these birds.

Albatrosses in abundance

The iconic black-browed albatrosses breed throughout the archipelago, with over 70% of the world’s population found here. They are most numerous on the Jason Islands group, a stopover for some expedition vessels. During the summer months, these impressive birds display a wingspan of 210 to 250 cm (7 to 8 ft) and raise fluffy grey chicks, often alongside Rockhopper penguins. Majestic in flight and clumsy when landing, the albatross is a stunning subject for photography.

Spectacular seabirds

Other striking seabirds include the southern giant petrel, which glides gracefully along the shores, as well as storm petrels and diving petrels. Rock cormorants and imperial cormorants breed on the islands; skuas and gulls are abundant, and terns can be seen in certain locations.

Abundant land birdlife

Oystercatchers, plovers, and kelp geese inhabit many shores. Upland geese are common, and their relatives, the ruddy-headed geese, breed in various locations. Black-crowned night herons move carefully along the water’s edge, often sheltering under old piers and shipwrecks.

The striking southern caracara shows off colorful plumage, but it is the inquisitive nature of the striated caracara that truly captures the observer’s attention.

These are just a few of the birds you can find in the Falklands.

Follow the Countryside Code, choose an observation spot about 6 meters (20 feet) from the birds, and you may find that they are the ones who come to take a look at you.

Birds in Islas Malvinas. Checklist:

Penguins

• King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) – rare breeder

• Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) – abundant

• Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) – coastal breeder

• Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) – breeds in colonies on rocky islands

Albatrosses

• Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) – iconic, breeds in large numbers

• Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma) – occasional visitor

 

Petrels and Shearwaters

• Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) – large offshore rafts, nests in tussac

• Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) – coastal and scavenging

• White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis)

• Wilson’s Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)

• Diving Petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix)

 

Cormorants and Shags

• Rock Cormorant (Phalacrocorax magellanicus)

• Imperial Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps)

Raptors and Caracaras

• Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) – inquisitive scavenger

• Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus)

 

Geese and Ducks

• Upland Goose (Chloephaga picta) – widespread

• Ruddy-headed Goose (Chloephaga rubidiceps)

• Falklands Flightless Steamer Duck (Tachyeres brachypterus) – endemic

• Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida)

 

Small Endemic Birds

• Cobb’s Wren (Troglodytes cobbi) – rodent-free islands

• Tussacbird (Cinclodes antarcticus) – endemic

Other Shorebirds

• Magellanic Oystercatcher (Haematopus leucopodus)

• Various Plovers and Sandpipers

• Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

 

Seabirds

• Southern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialoides)

• Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

• Skua (Stercorarius spp.)

• Terns (Sterna spp.)