Chile

Chiloé Island: Penguin colony and mudflats

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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.

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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
  • Activity Level Birding
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This tour can be booked any day throughout the year.

 

Highlights

  • Humboldt and Magellanic Penguin colony
  • The newly described Pincoya Storm-Petrel
  • Extensive mudflats brimming with shorebirds

 

Pace

  • Relaxed pace. Short boat ride and easy short walks.

 

Ease of Birding

  • Most species are easy to see. Species found at the penguin colony are very reliable, as are most shorebirds. Pincoya Storm-Petrel may require some luck.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR?
  • Transport: SUV for 1-3 people, minivan for 4-6 people
  • Pick-up/drop-off at your hotel in Puerto Montt/airport/port
  • Boat ride around penguin colony
  • English speaking guide with birding equipment
  • Snacks (fruit, nuts, cereal bars, water)
  • Lunch
  • eBird checklists for the day’s stops
  1. CHILOÉ ISLAND: PENGUIN COLONY AND MUDFLATS

    Starting time: pick-up at your hotel in Puerto Montt around 6:30 a.m. Note that starting may vary slightly depending on time of sunrise.

    See map insert for an overview of the route and main hotspots visited during the tour.

    Ending time: drop-off at your hotel in Puerto Montt around 5:30 p.m.

MAP