Northern Argentina: A Birding Bonanza - January 2026
Dates: January 6 - 27, 2026
Leaders: Andrew Whittaker, Local Leader
E-bird
Total Species: 467 birds
Click here to view list
Overall Summary
Northern Argentina was as sensational as ever, with fun birding, stupendous scenery, and countless different habitats. Our tour was a true birding bonanza, with 465 species tallied. Fabulous weather blessed us throughout, along with a delightful array of exotic wildlife and easy birding. We cleaned up on almost all of our sought-after endemics and near-endemics, thanks to Julian’s intimate knowledge of this wondrous corner of Argentina.
A wonderful escape from the winter months up north, Argentina offered us outstanding weather this year—pleasantly warm and sunny. With great accommodations, scrumptious meals (especially Gabi’s magnificent barbecues), and excellent wine—really, can life get any better?
After a night in colorful Buenos Aires, we took an early morning flight north to Posadas on the Río Paraná. Loading into our 4×4 vehicles, we drove south to the fascinating Argentinian Pantanal wetlands and the grasslands of the Ibera Marshes. Birding here is always spectacular, and on our best day we recorded 111 species! Our delightful lodge was a true paradise, with wooded gardens overlooking a lovely reed-edged lake. As we enjoyed one of the lodge’s delicious meals, the resident Giant Wood-Rail and Red-crested Cardinal quickly introduced themselves, even taking bread.
In the late afternoons, delightful boat trips gave us a chance to relax and enjoy the rich wildlife of the area. Highlights included a very cooperative Rufous-sided Crake, Least Bittern, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Whistling Heron, Snail Kite, and Brazilian Teal. Amazon and Ringed kingfishers fished the shallows alongside Large-billed and Yellow-billed terns, while the marshlands held striking Scarlet-headed Blackbirds, Black-backed Water-Tyrants, White-headed Marsh Tyrants, Green-winged Saltators, and Yellow-billed Cardinals. Giant Southern Screamers were omnipresent, and the incredibly tame Marsh Deer and Capybara showed off.
Exploring the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and marshes, we located sought-after species such as the beautiful Yellow Cardinal, Strange-tailed Tyrant, and a stellar lineup of rare and colorful seedeaters, including Marsh, Rufous-rumped, Chestnut, and Tawny-bellied. Additional noteworthy species included Greater Rhea, Jabiru, Limpkin, Maguari Stork, Whistling Heron, Plumbeous Ibis, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, White-tailed Hawk, Snail Kite, Spotted Nothura, Campo Flicker, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Checking out mobbing flocks rewarded us with White and Checkered woodpeckers, Blue-crowned Parakeet, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Blue-tufted Starthroat, Chotoy Spinetail, Long-tailed Reed Finch, Green-winged Saltator, and many more. We also enjoyed superb studies of the poorly known Plains Viscacha, Pampas Fox, and Brown Brocket Deer.
Heading north, we stopped around Ituzaingó for fascinating grassland specialists such as the recently described Ibera Seedeater (2016), the endangered Sickle-winged Nightjar, Sharp-tailed and Streamer-tailed tyrants, Pearly-bellied Seedeaters, and heard-only Ocellated Crakes.
Mighty Iguazú Falls and the national park enthralled us as we explored the trails and stared into the Devil’s Throat—simply one of the wonders of the world! The tropical rainforest here provided a wealth of new birds. Noteworthy finds included mega views of Black-fronted Piping-Guan, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Blackish Rail, Toco Toucan, Yellow-fronted and the stupendous Blond-crested woodpeckers, Plush-crested Jay, the stunning Swallow-tailed Manakin, and Green-headed Tanager. Forest specialties included the rare Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Riverbank Warbler, Rufous Gnateater, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous-margined Antwren, Araucaria Tit-Spinetail, and Saffron-billed Sparrow.
Delightful hummingbird gardens dazzled us with Swallow-tailed Hummingbirds, Black-throated Mango, Planalto Hermit, Gilded Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph, and Versicolored Emeralds.
We next flew south to Córdoba, where an exciting set of new species awaited. After meeting up with our fabulous driver, Gabi, we started out on a real high, with unprecedented, in-your-face Andean Condors in flight! Other birds here included three endemics—the Long-tailed (Sierra) Meadowlark and both Olrog’s and Córdoba cinclodes—along with Variable Hawks, Spectacled Tyrants, Hellmayr’s Pipit, White-winged Cinclodes, Grass Wren, and Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant.
The El 44 lodge is always a favorite, nestled in rich Chaco habitat with countless birds at our doorstep. The dawn chorus here is truly special. Over our two days, we marveled at Andean and Tataupa tinamous, Spot-winged Falconet, the majestic Black-bodied Woodpecker, Spot-backed Puffbird, Crested Gallito, Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper, and Chaco Sparrow. Even more color was provided by Blue-tufted Starthroat, White-tipped Plantcutter, Olive-crowned Crescentchest, Many-colored Chaco Finch, and Ultramarine Grosbeak, while the Chaco Earthcreeper, Brown Cacholote, and Lark-like Brushrunner proved more challenging. Marvelous sunsets were the backdrop to Gabi’s superb barbecues.
Laguna Chiquita was a new addition—and wow! This immense saline lake was packed with thousands of Chilean Flamingos and Wilson’s Phalaropes. Other waterbirds included Coscoroba Swan, three coot species, ducks, terns, and shorebirds. Neat finds included Aplomado Falcon, Rosy-billed Pochard, Silver Teal, Red Shoveler, Upland and Stilt sandpipers, Snowy-crowned Tern, Dinelli’s Doradito, Freckle-breasted Thornbird, and Correndera Pipit. A Dot-winged Crake—so close—remained hidden.
Heading north to the salt desert of Salinas Grandes, we finally came up with our top prize, the endemic Salinas Monjita! Other birds here included Brushland Tinamou, Chaco Chachalaca, Crested Hornero, Greater Wagtail-Tyrant, Suiriri Flycatcher, White Monjita, Ringed Warbling Finch, and Black-crested Finch.
After a long drive to the lush province of Tucumán, we enjoyed an afternoon birding the cooler Yungas forests with their crystal-clear streams. Among the unique rewards here were lovely Torrent Ducks and one of the tour’s most iconic species, the magical Rufous-throated Dipper. Both the Tucumán Parrot and the endemic Yellow-striped Brushfinch showed well. The flower garden at our secluded hotel provided us with the rare Slender-tailed Woodstar and stunning Red-tailed Comets.
Our explorations of the vibrant Andean foothills and rocky slopes were a great success, with finds such as Andean Flicker, Gray-hooded Parakeet, Buff-breasted Earthcreeper, Cream-winged Cinclodes, Maquis Canastero, Subtropical Dorodito, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Black Siskin, the endemic Bare-faced Ground Dove, Tucumán Mountain Finch, and White-browed Tapaculo.
The next day, we crossed the spectacular pass of El Infiernillo to enter the starkly contrasting desert dominated by towering saguaro cacti. We were greeted by Burrowing Parakeets as Andean Swifts circled above the sandstone cliffs. Here we located two endemics—Monte Yellow-Finch and Steinbach’s Canastero—plus White-winged Black-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Sierra Finch, and Rufous-banded Miner. A productive stop offered superb looks at the endemic Sandy Gallito and White-throated Cacholote. We continued on to our plush hotel among the secluded vineyards of Cafayate, where we enjoyed a scrumptious meal. Owling that night gave us unforgettable views of the stunning Chaco Owl.
The following day took us to the breathtaking geological features of Las Conchas and the famous Garganta del Diablo—the Devil’s Throat—with its resident Peregrines. Gradually we entered the lush Andean foothills, where birding in the delightful cool rewarded us with a plethora of exciting species, among them Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager, Zimmer’s Tapaculo, Rock Earthcreeper, Spot-breasted Thornbird, Scribble-tailed Canastero, and Black-backed Grosbeak. We arrived in Salta with time to relax in our cozy lodge.
An action-packed final two days followed as we explored lush Yungas and montane forest festooned with epiphytes and cactus. Two near-endemics—the Red-faced and Yungas guans—obliged, as did a pair of incredible Giant Antshrikes. Other delights included Dot-fronted Woodpecker, White-barred Piculet, Plumbeous Black-Tyrant, striking Fulvous-headed and White-browed brushfinches, Rusty-browed Warbling Finch, Moss-backed and Yungas sparrows, Pale-legged Warbler, Rust-and-yellow and Fawn-breasted tanagers, Andean Slaty Thrush, and Golden-winged Cacique.
On our final evening, we found the mega-rare Buff-fronted Owl—WOW! Justifiably, this was voted the top bird of the tour by the participants.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing northern Argentina’s wildlife with you and truly hope we cross paths again on one of my many exciting worldwide VENT tours.
Meanwhile, happy birding to you on our simply amazing planet!
Abrazos from Brazil, Andy
SEVEN TOP FAVORITE BIRDS VOTED BY THE GROUP
BUFF-FRONTED OWL
GIANT ANTSHRIKE
ANDEAN CONDOR
BLACK-FRONTED PIPING-GUAN
RED-TAILED COMET
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE
BLACK-BODIED WOODPECKER, STRANGE-TAILED TYRANT, YELLOW CARDINAL, SCIMITAR-BILLED WOODCREEPER, and WHITE-BROWED TAPACULO—a five-way tie!
Day-by-Day Summary
January 6 - The group arrived in colorful Buenos Aires and settled in for the night, ready to begin our northern adventure.
January 7 - We took an early flight to Posadas on the Río Paraná, loaded into 4×4 vehicles, and drove south into the vast wetlands and grasslands of the Ibera Marshes. Our delightful lodge overlooked a reed‑edged lake, where Giant Wood-Rail and Red-crested Cardinal greeted us during dinner.
January 8 - We enjoyed spectacular wetland birding, tallying 111 species on our best day. Least Bittern, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Whistling Heron, Snail Kite, Brazilian Teal, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, and White-headed Marsh Tyrant were among the highlights. Marsh Deer and Capybara showed beautifully around the lodge.
January 9 - Relaxing afternoon boat trips produced Amazon and Ringed kingfishers, Large-billed and Yellow-billed terns, and a very cooperative Rufous-sided Crake. Grassland birding yielded Yellow Cardinal, Strange-tailed Tyrant, and a suite of rare seedeaters including Marsh, Rufous-rumped, Chestnut, and Tawny-bellied.
January 10 - We explored gallery forests and marsh edges, finding Greater Rhea, Jabiru, Maguari Stork, Plumbeous Ibis, Campo Flicker, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture. Mobbing flocks revealed Checkered and White woodpeckers, Blue-crowned Parakeet, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Blue-tufted Starthroat, and Chotoy Spinetail.
January 11 - We continued north toward Ituzaingó, locating the recently described Ibera Seedeater, the endangered Sickle-winged Nightjar, Sharp-tailed and Streamer-tailed tyrants, Pearly-bellied Seedeaters, and heard-only Ocellated Crakes.
January 12 - We reached mighty Iguazú Falls, where the national park’s trails and viewpoints offered breathtaking scenery. Early birding produced Black-fronted Piping-Guan, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Blackish Rail, and Toco Toucan.
January 13 - We explored the lush rainforest, finding Blond-crested Woodpecker, Plush-crested Jay, Swallow-tailed Manakin, and Green-headed Tanager. Forest specialties included Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Rufous Gnateater, and White-shouldered Fire-eye.
January 14 - Dazzling hummingbird gardens treated us to Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black-throated Mango, Planalto Hermit, Gilded Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph, and Versicolored Emerald.
January 15 - We flew south to Córdoba and met our driver, Gabi. The day started with unforgettable close views of Andean Condors. We also found Long-tailed (Sierra) Meadowlark, Olrog’s and Córdoba cinclodes, Spectacled Tyrant, Hellmayr’s Pipit, and Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant.
January 16 - At the beloved El 44 lodge in the rich Chaco, we enjoyed a spectacular dawn chorus. Highlights included Andean and Tataupa tinamous, Spot-winged Falconet, Black-bodied Woodpecker, Spot-backed Puffbird, Crested Gallito, and Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper.
January 17 - We continued birding the Chaco, finding Blue-tufted Starthroat, White-tipped Plantcutter, Olive-crowned Crescentchest, Many-colored Chaco Finch, Ultramarine Grosbeak, Chaco Earthcreeper, Brown Cacholote, and Lark-like Brushrunner. Gabi’s barbecues were a highlight of the evenings.
January 18 - We visited the immense saline lake of Laguna Chiquita, packed with thousands of Chilean Flamingos and Wilson’s Phalaropes. Other finds included Aplomado Falcon, Rosy-billed Pochard, Silver Teal, Upland and Stilt sandpipers, Snowy-crowned Tern, Dinelli’s Doradito, and Freckle-breasted Thornbird.
January 19 - We headed north into the salt desert of Salinas Grandes, where we finally located our top target, the endemic Salinas Monjita. Other species included Brushland Tinamou, Chaco Chachalaca, Crested Hornero, Greater Wagtail-Tyrant, Suiriri Flycatcher, White Monjita, and Black-crested Finch.
January 20 - After a long drive into the lush province of Tucumán, we birded the cool Yungas forests. Torrent Ducks and Rufous-throated Dipper were major highlights. Tucumán Parrot and Yellow-striped Brushfinch also showed well. Our hotel garden hosted Slender-tailed Woodstar and Red-tailed Comet.
January 21 - We explored the vibrant foothills, finding Andean Flicker, Gray-hooded Parakeet, Buff-breasted Earthcreeper, Cream-winged Cinclodes, Maquis Canastero, Subtropical Doradito, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Black Siskin, Bare-faced Ground Dove, Tucumán Mountain Finch, and White-browed Tapaculo.
January 22 - Crossing the dramatic El Infiernillo Pass, we entered a stark desert of towering cacti. Burrowing Parakeets greeted us, and we located Monte Yellow-Finch, Steinbach’s Canastero, White-winged Black-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Sierra Finch, and Rufous-banded Miner. A productive stop yielded Sandy Gallito and White-throated Cacholote.
January 23 - We arrived at our plush hotel among the vineyards of Cafayate and enjoyed a superb meal. Night owling produced unforgettable views of the stunning Chaco Owl.
January 24 - We explored the breathtaking formations of Las Conchas and the Devil’s Throat, home to resident Peregrines. Entering the lush foothills, we found Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager, Zimmer’s Tapaculo, Rock Earthcreeper, Spot-breasted Thornbird, Scribble-tailed Canastero, and Black-backed Grosbeak. We continued on to Salta.
January 25 - We birded lush Yungas and montane forest, finding Red-faced and Yungas guans, Giant Antshrike, Dot-fronted Woodpecker, White-barred Piculet, Plumbeous Black-Tyrant, Fulvous-headed and White-browed brushfinches, Rusty-browed Warbling Finch, and Moss-backed Sparrow.
January 26 - Our final full day brought Pale-legged Warbler, Rust-and-yellow and Fawn-breasted tanagers, Andean Slaty Thrush, and Golden-winged Cacique. That evening, we located the mega-rare Buff-fronted Owl—voted the top bird of the tour.
January 27 - We wrapped up our unforgettable northern Argentina adventure and transferred to the airport for our flights home.
Wildlife Seen:
MAMMALS
NEW WORLD MONKEYS (Cebidae)
Tufted (Black-horned) Capuchin (Cebus apella)
VISCACHAS & CHINCHILLAS (Chinchillidae)
Plains Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus)
GUINEA PIGS (Caviidae)
Montane Guinea Pig (Cavia tschudii)
Lowland Yellow-toothed Cavy (Galea leucoblephara)
Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
RABBITS & HARES (Leporidae)
European Hare (Lepus europaeus) – Introduced and common.
DOGS (Canidae)
Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous)
Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
RACCOONS & ALLIES (Procyonidae)
South American Coati (Nasua nasua)
DEER (Cervidae)
Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
Brown Brocket (Mazama gouazoubira)
Spotted Deer (Axis axis)
CAMELIDS (Camelidae)
Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
OTHER FAUNA
Marine Toad (Rhinella marina)
Aesculapian False Coral Snake (Erythrolampus aesculapii)