The waters surrounding the island of Chiloé are the home to the newly discovered Pincoya Storm-Petrel, a must-see for pelagic fans! On our tour Chiloé Island: Penguin Colony and Mudflats we’ll have opportunity on both our ferry crossings from the mainland to the island and back to spot this poorly-known species.

On the northeast corner of the island you’ll visit a penguin colony both the Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins breed together. To see them close-be we’ll embark on a short boat tour circling the rocky outcroppings where they have their burrows. On the boat ride we’ll also be able to find Kelp Goose, Flightless Steamer Duck, Blackish Oystercatcher, Red-legged, Guanay, Neotropic, and Magellanic (Rock) Cormorants, as well as a good change of Marine Otters swimming around.

The extensive mudflats on the islands, produced by large tidal differences, see 30% of the world’s population of Hudsonian Godwits during the austral summer. These birds undergo a mind-blowing migration over the Pacific, making a non-stop flight from Alaska to Chiloé. These same mudflats are also a great place to find groups of Black-necked Swans, the lovely Snowy-crowned Tern, Black Skimmers (a subspecies that migrates from Amazonia!), and perhaps a few Chilean Flamingoes.

In the grassy fields along the roads we should find numerous groups of Black-faced Ibis. While our main target in the forest edges will be the Slender-billed Parakeet, a Chilean endemic usually easy to find in the north of Chiloé Island.

Chiloé Island: Penguin Colony and Mudflats can easily be combined with your tour to the Valdivian Rainforest near Puerto Montt.