Birds of Iguazu National Park: Guide to Birding
When I planned my trip to Iguazu Falls, I thought the waterfalls would steal the show. But what made the visit even better were the birds of Iguazu. I spent two early mornings birding in Iguazu National Park and spotted 58 species. That’s just a fraction of the 450 bird species found in the area. Argentina has over 1,000 bird species in total, and a good chunk of them can be seen right here.
If you’re into birding or just curious about wildlife in South America, birding in Iguazu is worth it. It’s one of the best birdwatching spots on the continent.
I have been birdwatching for 14+ years, and I wanted to share with you some of the birds I saw during my visit.
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Getting started with birdwatching in Iguazu
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy birdwatching here. I do not claim to be an advanced, expert birder, but I came prepared with my binoculars, bird book, and camera. The rainforest wakes up early, so I started at sunrise.
Here’s what I’d recommend:
Diversity of birds in Iguazu
What makes the birds of Iguazu special is the variety. You’ll see toucans, flycatchers, owls, woodpeckers, and more within just a few hours. The thick forest and open areas around the walkways create different habitats, which means more species in one place.
I was lucky to spot a Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. It’s small but not shy. That was my favorite sighting of the trip. I also saw several species of tanagers, woodpeckers, and toucans. Even if you only spend one day birding in Iguazu, you’ll see more birds than you expect.
Which month is best for birdwatching in Iguazu
The best time to go birdwatching in Iguazu is during the dry season from May to September. That’s when the trails are more accessible and visibility is better.
I went in March and still had good luck with the sightings. Mornings were cool and active. If I had to pick, I’d go in May or June next time.
Birds you might see in Iguazu
There are more than 450 species recorded in the park. Here are some of the ones you’ll want to look for:
- Ferruginous Pygmy Owl – One of the best sightings I had. Bold and vocal.
- Social Flycatcher – Yellow belly and easy to find near open spaces.
- Green-barred Woodpecker – Looks like part of the tree. Watch for movement.
- Long-tailed Tyrant – A black and white bird with a long tail that makes it easy to ID.
- Chestnut-eared Aracari – Part of the toucan family. You’ll usually hear it before you see it.
- Surucua Trogon – Bright greens and blues. Often seen perched quietly.
FAQ’s for Birdwatching in Iguazu
Do I need a guide?
Not necessarily, but it helps a lot. Especially if you’re looking for more than just the obvious birds. I hired a guide through Iguazu Birdwatching, and it was definitely worth the investment, especially if you are short on time.
Best trails in Iguazu for birding?
The Macuco Trail is your best bet. It’s quiet and goes deeper into the forest.
Can I birdwatch around the falls?
Yes. Early morning near the walkways and platforms is a great time to see birds. Toucans and jays are common.
What should I bring?
Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 work great)
Lightweight long sleeves and pants
Good walking shoes
A book on the birds of the area (this is the one I used)
Download the Merlin app to identify birds by calls and photos
Camera with a zoom lens
Which side of the falls is better, Argentina or Brazil?
Iguazu National Park in Argentina has longer trails and more variety. If you have time, do both.
How to get to Iguazu Falls
The easiest way to reach the Iguazu Falls area is by flying from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu (IGR). The flight is about 90 minutes. From there, it’s a quick drive to the park.
If you’re doing a longer Argentina itinerary, you can bus it, but I’d save the 18 hours and fly.
My two-week trip to Argentina included a couple of days in Buenos Aires and a week in Patagonia, before I flew up to the Iguazu Falls area.
Final thoughts on the birds of Iguazu
Birding in Iguazu is one of the best ways to connect with nature in South America. You don’t have to be an expert or bring a long lens to enjoy it. You’ll hear toucans before you see them. You’ll feel the forest wake up around you. And if you’re lucky, you might get that perfect moment when a bird like the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl lands right in front of you. The birds of Iguazu are worth your time.
