Mt. Aconcagua
This was our third Birds & Wine trip, and it was a good one. But seriously, you really can’t go wrong with the combination of great birding and fantastic food and wine. We also had a fun and congenial group of folks, which seems to be the norm on these birds and wine trips, these are folks interested in nature who also are up for a great time. Part of the fun of this trip is that we get to cross the
Andes, which is amazing for its scenic beauty, but also the appreciation of what a massive barrier it is to birds so much so that the birds on the Carménère side are very different from those of the Malbec side! In a short trip we see a lot of diversity, from desert to ocean, forest to scrub, sea level to the alpine zone. It is quite the tour!
We had our little setbacks along the way, and maybe it has been long enough time now that we can sit back and laugh! Who could have predicted that an impromptu truckers strike would tie us up on the road for a few hours?
We had a front row seat to the action, or lack of it! The key was coming up with a plan to get us out of there, as soon as we were able to book a bus to come to the other side of the roadblock, magically the roadblock opened up and we were through. But in that experience were able to see some of the

politics and issues that are going on in Argentina, sometimes experiencing culture is not just the fun stuff. But the next day we were enjoying one of the best salads anywhere, topped off by a steak seemingly brought down from heaven, each course paired with a great wine….what truck, strike, where? Look at the awesome parakeets out the window? Yes indeed, all our troubles were gone.
In Chile we began with wetlands, ducks, coots and the Many-colored
Rush Tyrant, the seven colors or “siete colores” which dazzled us with great looks. Surprises were many on the tour, but the first was the Least Seedsnipe, a migrant from the south (we assume), a tiny number seem to winter in the area we saw it in. The Maipo and Yeso valleys were kind to us, cutting to the chase after we had essentially given up on him, a gorgeous Diademed Sandpiper-
Plover showed up. All it took was needing to hang back a bit to do a bit of selfmaintenance, and it flew in out of nowhere, right to our feet!! That was definitely one of the most exciting moments of the trip. And this was after great views at Andean Condors, Crag Chilia, Andean Geese, Crested Ducks and a nice assortment of highland finches (really tanagers!), ground-tyrants, and
Grey-breasted Seedsnipe out da wazoo. There were lots of them. Just before we left the Andes we had a treat, a pair of Torrent Ducks that gave a heck of a show. We had them in view for quite a while, and were able to follow them upstream, yes up, as they foraged and did their own thing. What beautiful ducks.
We headed south to a short stay in the forest zone where we got a taste of what it is like, with Austral Pygmy-Owls, Tufted Tit-Tyrants, the handsome
Thorn-tailed Rayaditos, White-throated Treerunner and some views of Chucao
Tapaculo and for some the Chestnut-throated Huet-huet. The trees and habitat themselves were part of the fun, and for many of you Hosteria Vilches was a highlight as a spot to stay. Not the fanciest, but the attention, and the food were great – Ice Cream made of chestnuts, Wow! As we left the area we made sure to go and see the Burrowing Parakeets, I have to remember to call them parakeets now that the name changed from parrots. I know that parakeets have long and pointed tails, but calling these giants parakeets is about as appropriate as calling a macaw a parakeet. But these “parrots” sure gave a great show, an amazing show as they raided someone’s walnut tree. A huge surprise was seeing a fly by flock of 80 of these guys at a random roadside stop, obviously they are on the increase.

Our wine time in the Colchagua Valley was spectacular, visiting Viu
Manent, Montes and Casa Silva. This was after our nice pairing of cheeses and wine at Concha y Toro closer to Santiago some days earlier. The differences between the “vi ñ as” were great, both in how old they were, and their style and personality. One plays Gregorian chants to their wine, the others make jokes about Gregorian chants. Apart from great tasting wine, it really is great fun to see that not only terroir makes a difference, but the personality of the wine maker and company that creates the subtle differences in what they produce.
We tasted many wines, of course several Carménère as well as Cabernet and
Merlot and even Chilean Malbec. This was red wine country due to its inland geography and hot, dry summers. Next off we headed to the coast, where the organic and biodynamic Matetic Vineyard was different again in their approach, also this was an area with cooler coastal climates, where whites prevail.
Birding on the coast was fun, starting with amazing numbers of gulls, terns, shorebirds, and even Black Skimmers. But not just a few skimmers, perhaps the largest number of skimmers you can see anywhere in Chile, hundreds if not a thousand. There were some slightly out of range and unusual birds here, Snowy-crowned Tern, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Willets mixed in with the Brown-hooded Gulls, Elegant Terns, Peruvian Pelicans and masses of ducks. Our pelagic hit some poor weather with higher winds than we like, but we were able to get out enough to see Salvin’s Albatross, White-chinned Petrels, shearwaters, Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, giant-petrels, and surprisingly record numbers of Peruvian Diving-Petrels and the typically elusive Juan Fernandez
Petrel. The latter is a bird that only nests on the distant Juan Fernandez
Archipelago, where the original Robinson Crusoe was said to have lived. Our coastal adventure continued with a visit to the Humboldt Penguin colony where we not only enjoyed them but were treated to hundreds of nesting
Peruvian Pelicans and a single Magellanic Penguin spotted by one of his neighbors, Ricardo! This day we also visited La Campana National park where we enjoyed some great nice Matorral birding, perhaps the best views of Whitethroated Tapaculo you can expect alongside superb Moustached Turca, Duskytailed Canasteros and other goodies. This was the end of our Chile birding, and off we were to cross the Andes into Argentina.
The drive across to Argentina is pretty impressive, not only for the rugged and extreme mountains, but also the engineering of the road with the

“caracol” or snail of switch backs on the Chilean side, and the tunnel through the top of the mountains, for example. Our time at the border was short, and before we knew it we were taking photos of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas! As we descended to Uspallata things were different, the Spanish had a different accent, the food was different, the money was different and of course the birds were not the same. Suddenly we were seeing Green-barred
Woodpeckers, Bay-winged Cowbirds, Andean Swifts along with more unusual birds. These include Argentine endemics like the Monte Yellow-Finch, Whitethroated Cacholote and Steinbach’s Canasteros to the epitome of a flying gem, perhaps the prettiest hummingbird in the south – the Red-tailed Comet. Our visit in Argentina included a trip northbound, where we squeaked into habitats a little bit more chaco like, where White-fronted Woodpeckers, Many-colored
Chaco-Finch and pretty White Monjitas graced us with their presence. A lot of diversity for a dry and dusty part of the world.
Catena Zapata in Mendoza
But the dry and dusty is what makes this area great for wine, add a little mountain water and you have perfect and rather reliable wine weather, save for the strong rain or hail here and there! This is the land of the Malbec, and we tried many, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and even the little known
Argentine specialty, Torrontes. I think that many considered the lunch we enjoyed at Club Tapiz to be the top meal of the trip. It is a great spot to eat, particularly after a morning of wine, such as we had at Catena Zapata and
Decero wineries.
I would say that after that it was all downhill, but we did have to ride up to the border and had a bit of a frustrating wait there until we were able to go on our way to Santiago. We spent the last day mellowing out, visiting the impressive Museum of Precolumbian art, which has been re-done since my last visit and topping it off with a Peruvian lunch where we enjoyed everyone’s

favorite albeit potent Pisco Sour. What a great way to end the tour! Some of you continued on to Easter Island, while others we had to say good bye to, but hopefully not for long. Ricardo and I had a great time and we do hope we can see you all on another adventure in the future. Bolivia was talked about a bunch and maybe that will be the trip? Take care all and do share any photos you have with us.
* = heard only. I= Introduced. E = Endemic
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
Black-necked Swan Cygnus melancoryphus – This is South America’s only true swan, the
Coscoroba Swan is in a different genus. We saw these gorgeous swans on lake Potrerillos in
Argentina, as well as the lagoon at Jocoli.
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera – This goose nests high in the Andes, and usually is resident although a migratory population exists in the highlands of Santiago. We saw a pair of these birds at Yeso Lake, which was lucky as they are rare here. We also were surprised to see one individual in Uspallata, Argentina. But here at the southern end of the range they migrate from the mountains down to the lowlands of Batuco Lake. This is the only migratory flock of Andean Goose known anywhere, and we saw the early arrivals of that wintering flock!!!
Upland Goose Chloephaga picta - One male was up at El Yeso, this species is rare here but appears to be becoming more regular.
Torrent Duck
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata – Boy we were lucky to find this species which in my estimation is becoming rarer and rarer. I am not sure why, water quality issues, or maybe

competition with introduced trout? In any case a pair put on a show of a lifetime behind our hotel in the Maipo Valley. We were able to study the male carefully and see the different face plumage and overall darkness that separates this isolated southern form ( armata ) from the birds farther north in the Andes.
Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides – This duck is part of a strictly South American group of waterfowl that includes the Spectacled Duck, as well as the steamer ducks of farther south! We saw the Crested Duck nicely in the Yeso Valley, including some fly by birds showing their odd speculum color. We had a drive by look as well as we crossed the Andes into Argentina.
Spectacled Duck Speculanas specularis - this is a rather attractive duck, related to the
Crested. They are rare to uncommon, but the top of Colbún Lake is a regular hang out for these birds and we were able to find them there.
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix – Widespread, and reasonably common. We found the wigeon at Lampa, Maipo River Mouth as well as in Jocoli, Argentina.
Yellow-billed Teal Anas flavirostris – Up until recently this duck was known as the Speckled
Teal. It is a common duck which we saw both in Chile and Argentina. One surprise was that the flock at El Yeso was mainly of the highland form oxyptera . I have thought that this form is from farther north, but it appears to be uncommon down to the latitude of Santiago. But seeing a small flock was still a surprise. Furthermore, if we can show overlap with the lowland form we could be talking about two species here, rather than subspecies. The oxyptera form is larger, darker on the head, greyer on the sides and a bit more cinnamon above.
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica – This hen plumaged duck is common in both countries, and we did indeed see them in both countries. This along with the Yellow-billed Teal are the most common ducks on this tour.
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis – As the Scientific Name implies, this species is often thought of as a Caribbean Species. However there is a disjunct southern population that is particularly fond of lakes with a salt content! We saw one at Lake Potrerillos and three at the pond in Jocoli.
Silver Teal Anas versicolor – It was a bit of a surprise to find one of these ducks which are rather rare in Chile! They are particularly rare this far north, we found one at the mouth of the Maipo River.
[Argentine] Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera cyanoptera – Although in North America the
Cinnamon Teal is a largely western bird, in South America it is widespread in the south of

the continent and the Andes. The form we saw is entirely geographically isolated from the
North American birds, and interestingly they are reasonably well differentiated genetically.
However, they look similar in the field. We had nice looks at Cinnamon Teal at the Maipo
River mouth as well as a few at Jocoli in Argentina .
Red Shoveler Anas platalea – We saw many at Lampa as well as Maipo river mouth and the lake near Jocoli. The abundance of this duck changes year to year depending on water levels, they like shallow, muddy water.
Lake Duck Oxyura vittata – Distant views at Lampa. Then we were lucky on the Argentine side as a good number were at the ponds near Jocoli. I don’t recall having seen them there before, likely the high water level was the cause of our luck with them in Argentina. This is a duck related to our Ruddy Duck, although the males have dark cheeks rather than the white.
Black-headed Duck Heteronetta atricapilla – I don’t think we had ever found this species on the tour before. More surprisingly, they were on the Argentine side. Again likely due to the high water levels. We saw a small group at the lake near Jocoli.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
I California Quail Callipepla californica – The California Quail was introduced from
California to Chile in the 1800s. It has done well! We saw them on a couple of occasions on the Chilean side.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland – This is a unique looking grebe, with a white face patch and a relatively thick bill. We saw this grebe at Lampa, Maipo River mouth and the lake near Jocoli in Argentina. Oh, and I forgot also at Lake Potrerillos.
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps – One of the most widespread species in the New
World. The subspecies which we saw ( antarcticus ) is slightly different from northern hemisphere birds. However the only one we saw was one at Lake Potrerillos in Argentina.
Great Grebe Podiceps major – This big grebe is rather unlike classic grebes in the genus
Podiceps , and it has sometimes been placed in its own genus. It was an absolutely amazing sight to see so many of them at Lake Ranco on our drive from the Colchagua Valley to the coast. Otherwise we saw them at the lake near Jocoli in Argentina.
[Patagonian] Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis occipitalis – This is the southern form of this species, there is another form that is found in the Altiplano farther north ( juninensis ). We saw several of these pale colored grebes at Potrerillos Lake in Argentina.
Spheniscidae (Penguins)

Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti – The Cachagua penguin colony is certainly a highlight of this trip. We saw adults in fresh plumage, some in molt, and only one youngster.
The Humboldt Penguin is considered threatened as it has a relatively small population and some declines have been detected.
Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus – At the latitude of Valparaiso, this species is only a winter visitor. At least that is the dogma, so it was quite exciting when Ricardo spotted a single adult sitting with the Humboldt Penguins at Cachagua. We hypothesized that this individual stopped to molt here, and had finished doing so as its plumage was quite new looking. He could be spotted by the double bands on the underparts, thinner bill and no obvious pink on the bill base.
Diomedeidae (Albatrosses)
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris – I missed it, but a few folks got on one of these sitting in the water as we headed out to sea on the pelagic. This is one of the more common albatrosses off Valparaiso.
Salvin's Albatross adult
Salvin's Albatross Thalassarche salvini – During the summer season, this is the most common albatross off Valparaiso. This is the largest of the mollymawks (genus Thalassarche ), and when besides other species it can be strikingly larger. The Salvin’s breeds in New Zealand waters, and was until recently considered part of the Shy Albatross species. On our pelagic

we saw several of these guys, had the weather allowed us to head out farther we may have seen more but it was just not possible this time.
Procellariidae (Petrels and Shearwaters)
Northern Giant-Petrel Macronectes halli – We did find a couple of these giants on our pelagic. The way to separate northern from southern gian-petrels is difficult, you need to see the bill tips of the birds, so you have to get a pretty good view. The one that came by more closely had a reddish bill tip, making it a northern. At this time of year northern is much more likely as well, something we did not know even when we wrote the book a few years ago.
Juan Fernandez Petrel Pterodroma externa – It is always a treat to see a Pterodroma petrel, no matter where you are in the World. It is especially cool when the petrel is an endemic breeder as is Chile’s Juan Fernandez Petrel which breeds on the island of Selkirk (Masafuera).
But it was amazing that this year we saw a “Juan” before we saw a Sooty Shearwater! They were very close to shore, eventually a good number went by. More than we ever see off
Valparaiso, certainly due to the winds and poor weather. You lose some, you win some.
Juan Fernandez Petrel
White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis – This is one of the two large black
“ Procellaria ” petrels in these waters. The white chin is very difficult to see, sometimes it is

almost absent, but the entirely yellowish bill is a key feature to separate it from the Westland.
A couple of these classic southern petrels showed up on our pelagic.
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus – This was the common shearwater on the pelagic.
Pink-footed Shearwater Puffinus creatopus – This shearwater only breeds in Chile. We saw a few go by on our pelagic.
Hydrobatidae (Storm-Petrels)
Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus chilensis – I may have alluded to this on the tour, but the taxonomy of Wilson’s Storm-Petrel is up in the air. Several of us recently wrote a paper to re-establish the name chilensis for this unique population that breeds in the southern cone of South America (that is to say away from Antarctica). These, which were what we saw off Valparaiso, are smaller than the classic Wilson’s and they have paler underwings and sometimes even some white on the belly! I feel that these might be more closely related to the
Elliot’s Storm-Petrel, either way they may deserve to be separated as a species – the Fuegian
Storm-Petrel.
Pelecanoididae (Diving-Petrels)
Peruvian Diving-Petrel Pelecanoides garnotii – We had a particularly strong showing of diving petrels. These guys closely resemble northern alcids, but the resemblance is entirely due to convergent evolution. This species is threatened, and Valparaiso is a great place to see it as we found out, but seeing 50+ was a high number!
Sulidae (Boobies)
Peruvian Booby Sula variegatus – The Peruvian in closely related to the Blue-footed, but has grey feet. We saw many Peruvian Boobies on the coast and pelagic.
Peruvian Booby going for a fish

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus – Common, the only cormorant that is seen away from salt water in southern South America. We found it both in Chile and Argentina.
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi – Nice views on the pelagic trip, but even better views on the rock in Reñaca.
Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvillii – Several on the pelagic, also at Cachagua.
This is a large ocean going cormorant with a bright white belly. It is one of the three “Guano
Species” of the Humboldt Current, the other two are the Peruvian Booby and Pelican.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus – Compared to the Brown Pelican, this is a huge bird! I know, Brown Pelicans are large enough, but the Peruvian takes it a notch or two up from it.
Common on the coast.
Ardeidae (Herons and Egrets)
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax – We had a fly by in Viña del mar, and a juvenile at the lake near Jocoli, Argentina.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus – One flew out and away from the pond north of Jocoli.
We found one here last year, at that time I had not realized that they reached this far south in Mendoza, apparently they do at least uncommonly. This heron is closely related to the
Green Heron.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis – Common roadside bird.
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi – We saw this great blue heron look alike at Lampa as well as Lake
Rapel.
Great Egret Ardea alba – Common in both countries.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula – Only a few were seen in Chile, particularly associated with rivers in this part of South America.
Threskiornithidae (Ibis and Spoonbills)
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi – This widespread ibis we saw only in Argentina, they were at
Uspallata, and also as a fly by in Jocoli.

Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus – This was a great surprise! One was with a small flock in
Uspallata, Argentina. Not only is this quite far south for the species, but also quite far west and high up in elevation. A definite rare find.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura – Common, particularly near the coast in Chile. Also common in Mendoza where this year I was able to confirm that the birds have the white nape typical of the more tropical form ( ruficollis ) of the Turkey Vulture.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus – A few were here and there on the Chilean side.
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus – We had absolutely fantastic views of condors on our day up in the Yeso Valley above Santiago. They were low and also perching on the hillsides. Adults were present and young birds, this is such a spectacular species to watch, and we do not always see them this close. Others were up in the Argentine Andes such as behind Pueblo del
Rio in Potrerillos.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus – This kite is among the most widespread of Neotropical raptors, but it is patchy in its abundance. We saw this species from the road in Chile, but also a great look at the mouth of the Maipo river.
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus unicinctus – Uncommon but observed we found only one flying away as we crossed the bridge in Viña del Mar. These southern populations are not social hunters like the northern ones seen in Arizona, the southern birds are also less boldly patterned. In the past the southern form was known as the “Bay-winged Hawk,” and some have considered that they may be a different species from the Harris’s Hawk of the north.
Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma – Truly a hawk that has a variable plumage! We saw this hawk on a few occasions, including some nice adults at the mouth of the Maipo River.
Also a great encounter with a subadult up at lunch in Paramillos above Uspallata. This hawk is now, along with the White-tailed, considered to be part of the same genus as the buzzardeagle, so it is no longer a Buteo .
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus – A very unusually shaped raptor, as the adult has an extremely short tail, making it look almost bat-like. Now genetic evidence clarifies that it is very closely related to the Variable and White-tailed Hawks. We had nice views of this raptor on the tour, both in the Andes of Chile as well as heading to Mendoza in
Argentina.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus – Most of us only heard this species, although some folks saw one walk by at Lampa. We heard at least two pairs at the lake near Jocoli.
Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata – This is the larger one of the three coots. We found this one at Lampa as well as the Maipo River Mouth.
Red-fronted Coot Fulica rufifrons - This coot is gallinule like, and often keeps to the reeds rather than in the open. They show a lot of white on the undertail coverts. They were particularly common at Lampa.
White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera – This is the smallest of the three coots, and one which we saw in both countries, we saw it particularly well on Lake Potrerillos, and Jocoli pond but also at the Maipo River mouth they were present. It is thought that of the three it is this one which is most closely related to our American Coot.
Charadriidae (Plovers)
Southern [Chilean] Lapwing Vanellus c. chilensis – Common in Chile, abundant even, and in the highlands of Mendoza. The Chilean version of the Southern Lapwing has a grating voice that reminds of a parrot. It is found in Chile and Patagonia. In addition it is brighter in plumage, more grayish on the head and larger in size as compared to the next. This would be a nice clean cut two species story if they didn’t hybridize commonly where they meet such as in the highlands of Mendoza.
Southern [Cayenne] Lapwing Vanellus chilensis lampronotus – This version of the Southern
Lapwing is found from central Argentina north to Bermuda and Panama. They have a simple voice, and are longer legged and browner, but show a long black crest. The birds we saw in the lowlands of Mendoza were of this form.
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris – This is the one small plover in Chile that is found inland as well as the coast, we saw it well at Lampa and many were at the at the Maipo River mouth.
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover Phegornis mitchellii – WOW! I had given up on this species, figured we had missed it, but a perfectly timed break gave a chance for this guy to come in.
And it came in close! The bird just landed on our feet and fortunately I could yell to all those that were up ahead and get folks on it and eventually getting some great photos of this single bird. Not only is it a cool bird, but it is such a spectacular place where we go and see it!
Friends are now studying this population and helping to figure out how many there are in the Yeso Valley, how often they breed in a season and the next step is figuring out what they do in the winter – quite possibly they stay in the highlands all winter! Who knows, we shall find out in time. The bird we found was not banded, so it was not one of the resident pair that hangs out here usually.

The Diademed Sandpiper-Plover
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus – Common at the Maipo River Mouth.
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater – In rocky areas this is the more expected oystercatcher in Chile, we had great views at Cachagua as we watched the penguin colony.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts & Avocets)
Black-necked [Southern] Stilt Himantopus mexicanus melanurus – The taxonomy of stilts shifts around all over the place. Many times these are considered their own species, known as the Southern or White-backed Stilts, but the Cornell list considers them part of the Blacknecked Stilt. The North American “Black-necked” and South American “Southern” have noticeably distinct calls, and I think that species level is a good choice for this one. In any case we had great views at Lampa and Maipo River mouth.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
[Hudsonian] Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus – Chile is the main wintering site for
Whimbrels in South America. We saw many on the coast; they become even more common farther south in the country. It appears that most of the Chilean wintering population come from Alaskan breeding areas.

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica - The three we found at the mouth of the Maipo
River were likely northbound migrants. They winter south of here, and are unexpected at this location. Ours were also much of the way through molt into the breeding plumage.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca – A few were at Lampa in Chile.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes – Usually more common than the Greater, as they were in
Lampa.
Willet Tringa semipalmata – This is an unusual find in central Chile! Three individuals were at the Maipo River mouth, they appeared to be of the Western Willet ( inornatus ) form which breeds in the West of North America.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres – Several were near the Maipo River Mouth, on the rocks by the parking area.
Surfbird Aphriza virgata – A common rocky habitat shorebird which winters in Chile, we saw this species at the mouth of the Maipo River also on the coast north of Viña.
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla – They are quite rare this far south, but we have seen them at the Maipo River Mouth before. These two were still in full non-breeding plumage.
Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii – A small number were at Lampa, as well as the Maipo
River Mouth.
Sanderling Calidris alba – a small flock was going in and out with the waves as they tend to do at the mouth of the Maipo River.
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
Gray-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus – Amazing looks at Grey-breasted
Seedsnipes during our time up at the Yeso Valley. They were particularly common on our day up there, with plenty of opportunities for photography and observation.
Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus – A complete surprise was finding one of this smallest of the seedsnipe at Lampa. This is a rare wintering species here, and we were lucky to see the first arrivals of the season.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus – We have come to expect seeing this species right above Colbún Lake, otherwise it is quite a rare species in this part of Chile. So we were then

surprised to see them also at Lake Rapel as we headed to the coast. We figure they are breeding in the high Andean Lake Maule, and come down here post-breeding.
Brown-hooded Gull Chroicocephalus maculipennis – Common at the Maipo River Mouth, also one in Valparaiso Harbor; adults and young were present.
Gray Gull Leucophaeus modestus – Moderate numbers were about at the mouth of the Maipo
River. This species breeds much farther north, right smack in the middle of the desert! After breeding some move south, and then they become common in central Chile.
Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan – The Franklin’s Gull is highly migratory, they breed in the Prairies and Great Plains, then fly down to Peru and Chile and become entirely marine! We saw a great many on our way offshore on the pelagic, lots at the mouth of the
Maipo River as well. We also encountered scores getting ready to roost in spots north of
Viña del Mar as we came in from the Cachagua penguin colony.
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus – Common on the coast, this is the only big gull found this far south. Many juveniles were out, which were a contrast in brown as compared to the black and white adults. The are also now regular along the river in Santiago.
Inca Tern Larosterna inca – The Inca Tern is patchy in its distribution this far south, but we saw a couple on the pelagic and then had great looks at Reñaca north of Viña.
South American Tern Sterna hirundinacea – Several of these terns were found in Valparaiso
Harbor, immatures and non breeding adults.
Snowy-crowned Tern Sterna trudeaui – An immature of this uncommon species was foraging just offshore from the parking area near the mouth of the Maipo River.
Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans – Nice views at the Maipo River mouth. These are wintering birds which breed up in Baja California and California.
[Amazon] Black Skimmer Rynchops niger cinarescens – A whole bunch were at the mouth of the Maipo River, these dark winged birds breed in the Amazon basin and winter on the
Pacific Coast. We also saw this species at Lake Rapel.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
Picui Ground-Dove Columbina picui – Common on the Chilean and Argentine sides.
Black-winged Ground-Dove Metriopelia melanoptera – This is a highland dove that we saw poorly on the Yeso Valley day, but which we saw quite well in the highlands of Mendoza.

I Rock Pigeon Columba livia – Introduced, common in cities and towns.
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa maculosa – Common Mendoza, Argentina where we had particularly good looks in the Potrerillos area. The form we saw was the lowland form, the birds up farther north in the highlands have a different look as these have whiter wings and other aspects of plumage. The two may be different species.
Chilean Pigeon Patagioenas araucana – The Chilean Pigeon is the southern version of the
Band-tailed Pigeon. Their underparts on the other hand are the color of wine, appropriate for this tour. We saw them flying by in Vilchez.
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata – Common in both nations, even right in the city.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus – We saw our first in the Yeso Valley. We also found others on our crossings of the Andes.
Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango – Common, individuals in the Mendoza side are paler than those on the Chilean side.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius – Common.
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis – We saw a fly-by of this skinny and long tailed grayish falcon as we headed out of the port city of San Antonio. They are uncommon in Chile, but widespread.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus cassini – I missed the peregrine that was spotted on the
Argentine side at Potrerillos.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
Burrowing Parakeet Cyanoliseus patagonus byroni – The Chilean subspecies of the Burrowing
Parrot is threatened! However, I think they are on the upswing, particularly after we saw that large flock go over on our way to the coast from Santa Cruz. Colbun Lake is one of the few spots in the country where there are good populations of this species, although it took us some time to find them. A recent study has found that the original population of this parrot was the Chilean, it is the older line, and that Argentine populations arose from Chilean birds which crossed the Andes, so these are the newer populations. The Burrowing Parakeet
(formerly Parrot), is closely related to the Austral and Slender-billed Parakeets.
Austral Parakeet Enicognathus ferrugineus – Great views in the Vilches area where we found a little flock foraging low in the trees, there were some fly by birds as well. This is considered the southernmost species of parrot in the world!

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus – Introduced in Chile where common in urban areas, we saw these introduced birds at Concha y Toro. We also had great views in Argentina where they are native; the best were nesting right outside the restaurant with some of the nicest steaks in the world.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
Guira Cuckoo Guira guira – Several good views near Mendoza. This is a close relative of the anis.
Strigidae (Owls)
Austral Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium nana – We had a real superb view of one in the Vilches area right behind the hotel.
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia – We lucked out after Andrea told us that she often saw small owls on the road to one of the wineries. There it was, a close Burrowing Owl, which we were able to photograph and enjoy at leisure.
A wine loving Burrowing Owl
Apodidae (Swifts)
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus – Good views in Potrerillos of this close relative of the
White-throated Swift, they even sound alike as some of the California participants noted.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes –The forest based hummingbird in Chile.
This little hummingbird had begun its migration as they were frequent in various spots we visited in Chile where they do not breed. They move north and into more urban areas in winter. We had particularly nice views in Vilchez.
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganura – Wowza!! Ask me and I will say that this may be one of the top 5 or so hummingbirds on the planet. The adult male comet is a pretty amazing looking creature! At least one fully tailed male was at the hotel Pueblo del Rio, where we could see the green back contrasting with that gorgeous copper-red tail and rump. This hummer was particularly common this year, perhaps due to the increased rainfall in
Argentina?
White-sided Hillstar Oreotrochilus leucopleurus – They were quite common this year and most of the ones we saw were on the Argentine side, where so far I had never seen one!
Again, my guess is that this is due to the greater than average rainfall in the Andes and
Argentina. This is an endemic breeder to Chile and Argentina, where they go in winter is still a mystery.
White-sided Hillstar
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
White-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes cactorum - I like the way this woodpecker is sneaky and quiet, and it is a good looking one with all that black and white barring and pale areas

on the face. It is in the group that includes the Acorn Woodpecker, and like the acorn is closely related with oaks, the White-fronted is associated with cactus as its Scientific Name clarifies. But here in the south of the range, it takes isolated patches of taller trees instead of cactus. We saw it superbly well in that are up hill from Media Agua.
Striped Woodpecker Veniliornis lignarius – Nice views in Chile at Vilches and also at La
Campana.
Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros – Common in Mendoza, a great looking woodpecker which is really a flicker (genus Colaptes ).
*Chilean Flicker Colaptes pitius – This is not a rare species in Chile, but we had a difficult time seeing one. We heard them, but I do not recall getting an eyeball on one unfortunately.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
Crested Gallito Rhinocrypta lanceolada – This is the tapaculo that gave the family the
Scientific Name! Rhino-crypta means hidden nose due to the typical sheath over the nostrils found in tapaculos. We had awesome views near Potrerillos of this bird that looks like a little chicken, therefore a “gallito” (little rooster).
Chestnut-throated Huet-huet Pteroptochos castaneus – We have little time to see some of the forest tapaculos on this tour unfortunately. So we do need luck to find birds like the sneaky
Chestnut-throated Huet-Huet, and some of us did have luck. A few people were able to see the huet-huet crossing the road in Vilches, and others saw it sneaking through the bushes. It was not ideal, but it seldom is with the Chestnut-throated Huet-Huet. This was at one point a Chilean endemic but it has been found in a small corner of Argentina now.
E - Moustached Turca Pteroptochos megapodius – This is the largest of all tapaculos and fortunately this is one that does like to come out and play. We saw the at La Campana and saw it well! At one point we could see a turca and a White-throated Tapaculo nearly side by side, that you do not experience every day. A Chilean endemic.
White-throated Tapaculo

E - White-throated Tapaculo Scelorchilus albicollis – Usually this is the toughest of all tapaculos to find. At La Camapana we were very lucky this time with repeated views of a bird right out in the open, sometimes near a Moustached Turca. This is a Chilean endemic.
Chucao Tapaculo Scelorchilus rubecula – We were not too lucky with this sneaky but colorful tapaculo in Vilches. Some people were able to see it sneaking through the shrubs, others got a quick by good look, and some of us nothing at all. Tapaculos are always hard, particularly when one has only a short time in which to see them.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
[Cliff] Rufous-banded Miner Geositta r. rufipennis – This is the Rufous-banded Miner in the lower areas of the mountains in Mendoza. It has a different song that the one higher up, and is likely a good and separate species. We saw this species superbly well near Potrerillos,
Argentina.
[Alpine] Rufous-banded Miner Geositta rufipennis fasciata – This is the only Rufous-banded
Miner in Chile, and the one in the higher parts of the Mendoza Andes. We saw them from the bus in the Yeso Valley, as well as at the border area.
White-throated Treerunner Pygarrhichas albogularis – A common species in the forests of vilches, where several flocks were found. A great species, sort of a southern version of a nuthatch.
E - Crag Chilia Ochetorhynchus melanurus – The Yeso Valley is a great place to see this attractive Chilean endemic. At a spot we like to stop for this species we found a little flock, perhaps a family group that allowed us to see them well, some even climbing up cliff faces as they often do.
Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria – Some fly by views in the Yeso Valley.
Buff-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus – Nice views up the Yeso Valley, this species was until recently lumped with another Cinclodes and called the Bar-winged Cinclodes. We also saw a migrant down at Lampa, they spend the non breeding season in the lowlands.
Gray-flanked Cinclodes Cinclodes oustaleti – Our first was at a distance in the Yeso Valley.
The ecology of this cinclodes is unique. It breeds up in the Alpine zone of the Andes, and spends the non-breeding season on the ocean’s shore. So it was special that we also found one in the winter habitat at Cachagua.
Dark-bellied Cinclodes Cinclodes patagonicus – One obliging individual visited us in front of our hotel in the Maipo Valley.

E - Seaside Cinclodes Cinclodes nigrofumosus – Another Chilean endemic, this is a marine songbird! It lives, eats, breeds and hangs out along rocks on the ocean’s side. We saw the
Seaside Cinclodes nicely at Cachagua.
Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus – Common in Argentina; their nests are an incredible construction. Although common we only came across a couple of birds while in Argentina, we saw the nests more often. This is the national bird of Argentina.
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops – The rushbird can be skulking and difficult to see. We had a distant one at Lampa.
Thorn-tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda – Common in the forest zone in Vilches. A crowd favorite, it is sort of like a creeper mixed with a chickadee. We also found a few at La
Campana National Park. This is the major component of mixed foraging flocks in the
Patagonian Forests.
Brown-capped Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura fuliginiceps – In Potrerillos we saw one right at our hotel, and also another out in the dry valleys. This can be a quiet and sneaky bird at this time of year.
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura aegithaloides – Observed in Chile at several spots, this is the tiny bird with the long tail. There is marked geographic variation in this species, the ones in Chile were the race aegithaloides . On the other hand, the one we saw up in the
Mendoza highlands at Paramillo was the subspecies pallida . Perhaps two species are involved here?
Creamy-breasted Canastero Asthenes dorbignyi – This slim canastero with a bright colored tail was the one which showed itself for a few minutes before making itself scarce, this was in
Potrerillos, Argentina.
Sharp-billed Canastero Asthenes pyrrholeuca – We had a nice view of this long tailed canastero in the Yeso Valley.
Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta – This is a shorter tailed canastero that is found only in the highlands. We saw one nicely not too far from where we parked to go find the
Sandpiper-Plover.
E - Dusky-tailed Canastero Pseudasthenes humicola – A Chilean endemic, which we saw first on the day we drove out to the coast from the Colchagua wine region. But others were even more easily seen at La Campana National Park.

E - Steinbach's Canastero Pseudasthenes steinbachi – An Argentine endemic we saw nicely in
Uspallata. It ran quickly with a cocked tail looking like a little roadrunner. This is a relatively thick billed canastero with a bold black and chestnut tail; its other name is Chestnut
Canastero.
Brown Cacholote Pseudoseisura lophotes – Good views at Jocoli where a family group was in evidence. Others were heard farther north in San Juan on that day.
E -White-throated Cacholote Pseudoseisura gutturalis – We re-found the nest tree from last year (photo at left) but they were not right there, we had to chase them down a bit but eventually we had looks at this odd Argentine endemic! For a relatively large bird it can be a difficult one to see well, in that manner it reminds me of some of the desert thrashers of the United States.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
White-crested [Chilean] Elaenia Elaenia albiceps chilensis – Common in Chile, although on this trip we saw few. I think migration was early this year, so few were left. Still we saw them on various spots both in Chile and Argentina. Vocal and genetic data show that this is likely better considered a separate species from the White-crested Elaenias of farther north in the
Andes.
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris – One distant one seen down a valley in
Potrerillos.
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus – Common in Chile, this was our TTT bird!
Greater Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura budytoides – These are flycatchers with attitude and personality, I always have fun seeing them. We brought out a nice looking pair near Media
Agua in San Juan.
Many-colored Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra – We had great views on our first day at
Lampa in Chile, this is the “siete colores” the bird of seven colors. Another was in Mendoza at the pond near Jocoli, but that one was a bit more difficult to see.
Austral Negrito Lessonia rufa - We saw some at Lampa, as well as one on the shore of Lake
Potrerillos which seemed to be injured. These birds migrate north in the winter, and we found some which were moving north already.

White-winged Black-Tyrant Knipolegus aterrimus – A good view of a male in Potrerillos. This was the black flycatcher with a white wing stripe when it flew.
Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillatus – Unfortunately due to the early fall, most of these guys had already headed north. We did see one male pop out and fly from the marsh at lake
Jocoli in Mendoza. Often at this time of year the males are gone but the females are around, this time only one male seemed odd to me!
Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris – This ground tyrant is very widespread but can be uncommon, so it was exciting for me to see a bunch of them in
Potrerillos. We hit a migratory pulse, as they are going north at this time of year.
Cinereous Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola cinerea – It was more than a pain to sit waiting at the border to get back into Chile, but if there was one bright side was that one of these uncommon ground tyrants flitted into view, sitting up on a sign for a bit.
Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola flavinucha – A juvenile of this very long winged and relatively large ground-tyrant was in the Yeso Valley as we looked for the Diademed
Sandpiper-Plover.
White-browed Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora – the common ground tyrant up in the
Yeso Valley.
Black-fronted Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola frontalis – Several were seen well in the Yeso
Valley. The noticeable feature is that they have a white front, but a black forehead above that. Juveniles show the white front, not much darkness on the forehead. This ground tyrant is the one that is found highest up in elevation.
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus – This is a shrike tyrant with a thin and black bill as well as a lot of white in the tail. We found it up in the Yeso, as well as above Uspallata.
Great Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis lividus – This species is dang hard to find, always unpredictable and never seemingly in the same place twice! This can make for a heck of an infuriating species to find on a tour, particularly when it is kind of a cool bird – the world’s largest flycatcher for example. We were lucky that two individuals gave us a chance in the
Yeso Valley, including one that sat up for a bit and allowed us to study it well from the bus.
Fire-eyed Diucon Xolmis pyrope – Common on the Chilean side where they were actively migrating while we were there. Nicest views were in Vilches.
White Monjita Xolmis irupero – A white flycatcher is not something you see every day. WE saw White Monjitas in San Juan above Media Agua.

Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa – It was a surprise to see one of these up high in Uspallata as we looked at the ibis! Another was a Jocoli, but fewer folks saw that one. This flycatcher loves to perch on livestock, like a cowbird, but it looks more like a tropical kingbird with a horizontal posture and long legs.
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus – Relatively common in the Argentinean side; they are actually migratory in part of Argentina. How a pudgy bird like that migrates is anyone’s guess.
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus – Common in Argentina, it is a migratory species there.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
White-tipped Plantcutter Phytotoma rutila – There are three species of plantcutter in the world, at one time they were considered their own family of birds, but now we know they are cotingas. The White-tipped was the species we saw in the Media Agua area in San Juan,
Argentina, the one with the weird song and super looking plumage.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca – A few were found in both countries. This is a migrant and they had begun to head north, they winter as far north as Trinidad and
Venezuela.
Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera – One individual, presumably in active migration went by heading north. This was at Jocoli.
Chilean Swallow Tachycineta meyeni – Some in Chile, particularly at Lampa on our first day.
This swallow has a white rump.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
[Southern] House Wren Troglodytes aedon [musculus] – Common in both countries, although not always easy to see. Most of the individuals we detected were heard. Future work will likely find that the House Wren is made up of several species, probably more than just northern and southern, for the time being it is all up in the air. The southern cone birds are distinctly reddish on the rump and tail base.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
Austral Thrush Turdus falcklandii- Common in Chile; the local version of a robin!

Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus – This thrush appeared to be migrating through at this time of year as several were seen somewhat out of habitat, in the lowlands of
Mendoza province.
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco – Uncommon in the Potrerillos area. These are of the southern form, anthracinus , which may be split from chiguanco in the future. These southern birds are blacker than the browner chiguanco .
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
Chilean Mockingbird Mimus thenca – A near-Chilean endemic which was seen commonly in
Chile.
Patagonian Mockingbird Mimus patagonicus – Often reelatively common in desert shrub land in the Argentine foothills, but this year we only found a family group near Potrerillos.
One adult was feeding a juvenile Shiny Cowbird.
Motacillidae (Pipits & Wagtails)
Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera – Several were observed on our first day of birding in
Lampa.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis – Several in Potrerillos, the males are superb looking birds. They should be re-named the blue and orange tanager!
Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch Phrygilus gayi – Common in the highlands of both Chile and
Argentina. As I noted in the field all of these South American “finches” are actually tanagers.
Mourning Sierra-Finch Phrygilus fruticeti – This finch was seen at a distance on our day up the Yeso Valley, at the Crag Chilia spot.
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebeyus – Several of these small grey finches that resemble winter Chipping Sparrows were around at Paramillo in the Argentine highlands.
Common Diuca-Finch Diuca diuca – Common in Chile, and we also found one in
Argentina near Jocoli. The Argentine population is paler and greyer than the Chilean birds.
Greater Yellow-Finch Sicalis auriventris – Common near the crossing between the two countries. Also seen in the Yeso Valley. At this time of year the males do not look very yellow as the newly molted feathers have greener and greyer tips that dull the overall look of the birds.

E - Monte Yellow-Finch Sicalis mendozae – This is a newly recognized species, as it was separated from Greenish Yellow-Finch. We had some nice looks at a small number in the valley by Potrerillos. This is an Argentine endemic.
Monte Yellow-finches
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola – Several north of Mendoza.
Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola – They were entirely absent from Chile where they are common in spring and summer, so definitely they had moved out. However they were still present in small numbers as we saw a couple at Jocoli in Mendoza.
Great [Olive] Pampa-Finch Embernagra platensis olivascens – We saw it at Jocoli in Mendoza, this is the western form which at times has been considered to be a different species, the
Olive Pampa-Finch.
Double-collared Seedeater Sporophila caerulescens – Common in the Jocoli area, Mendoza.
Many-colored Chaco Finch Saltatricula multicolor – As we stepped out of the bus after lunch in San Juan, one of these attractive birds was out there. The chaco finch as it turns out is a saltator, so in fact in the Cardinal family!
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis – Abundance varied throughout the trip, being common in the highlands but less so in the lowlands. Usually this is an all-around common species at least in spring and summer, so they may be flocking, molting or migrating at this

time of year. The highland birds are larger, longer winged and more grayish on the crown, and brighter and more colorful on the collar colors.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
Masked Yellowthroat Geothlypis aequinoctialis – Soo and perhaps a couple of others saw one at the lake near Jocoli. Recent information suggests that this southern population may be a separate species from more northern ones, I have heard the name Southern Yellowthroat applied to it.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
Austral Blackbird Curaeus curaeus – Common in Chile. Even in the vineyards.
Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelasticus thilius – This year we saw a single one at Lampa, but a small flock at the lake near Jocoli in Mendoza. Ecologically similar to the Red-winged
Blackbird of North America, but actually not so closely related.
Bay-winged Cowbird Agelaioides badius – Several in Potrerillos and Uspallata as well as in the lowlands in Mendoza.
Screaming Cowbird Molothrus rufoaxillaris – This can be a tricky species to find as it is similar to the Shiny Cowbird. We saw three of them as we headed out of the lake near Jocoli, where we had them in the scope as a Shiny Cowbird could be seen behind us. This is a parasitic species, but in much of its range its only host is the Bay-winged Cowbird.
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis – This species becomes a less common in the fall, but we did find small numbers in both Argentina and Chile. One juvenile was being fed by a
Patagonian Mockingbird near Potrerillos.
White-browed Blackbird Sturnella superciliaris – Several were found at Jocoli, Mendoza.
They are smaller and darker than the Long-tailed Meadowlark.
Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca – Common in both countries, although more local in Argentina.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
Hooded Siskin Sporagra magellanica – Common on the Argentine side, many were found near Potrerillos. The subspecies here is particularly dull colored.
Yellow-rumped Siskin Sporagra uropygialis – Nice views in the Yeso Valley of adults. But what was rather special is that we saw a juvenile at the border. This plumage is little known, but was an olive and streaky looking thing with a yellow beak and yellower underparts and rump.

Black-chinned Siskin Sporagra barbata – Many in the forested parts of Chile, in the Vilches area in particular but also at other spots.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
House Sparrow Passer domesticus – Common in all urban areas. Introduced.
Mammals
Cinnamon Red Bat Lasiurus varius – This was the colorful bat we saw flying around in the day at Vilches. A lifer for me, and a very neat bat to see! It is endemic to the Patagonian forests.
Brown Hare Lepus europaeus – One in Chile, near the coast which a few folks saw.
Introduced.
Southern Mountain Cavy Microcavia australis - Several in the highlands above Uspallata, as well as the site above Media Agua. These were the wild guinea pigs.
Guanaco Lama guanicoe – Ricardo deftly spotted a small group on our way to Potrerillos, we stopped and were able to see them superbly well. We also saw a couple above Uspallata. We had never seen this species on this tour, so it was lucky.
Southern Sea Lion Otaria byronia – These are huge sea lions, the males are absolutely gigantic with big heads. We saw them well coming back from the pelagic.
OTHER STUFF
Well, this is an incomplete list, but here we go.
Herps:
Painted Lizard Liolaemus pictus – In Vilches and La Campana National Park. This was a lizard with green spots on the head.
Lizard Liolaemus lemniscatus – The nicely patterned lizard with narrow lines we saw at
La Campana National Park.
Snake in Mendoza – I think the little snake that we saw in the highlands near Potrerillos

was Liophis anomalus , but I am not 100% certain.
Long-tailed Snake Philodryas chamissonis - It was dead, but so fresh I am putting it here. Seen at La Campana National Park.