Salta is a province in northwest Argentina that is home to a diverse array of birds. From the Andean condors soaring over the mountains to the brightly-colored macaws in the rainforest, Salta is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
With over 500 species of birds, there is something for everyone. From the colorful hummingbirds to the majestic eagles, Salta has a wide variety of birds that will delight any bird enthusiast.
Whether you are an experienced birder or just getting started, Salta is the perfect place for you to enjoy the beauty of birds.
1. Plush-crested Jay
The plush-crested jay is a species of bird belonging to the Corvidae family, which includes crows and ravens. This species is native to South America, where it can be found from southwestern Brazil to northeastern Argentina, including parts of the Amazon Basin and the Pantanal.
This range includes Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The plush-crested jay is a medium-sized bird with a distinct black crest on its head. Its wings and tail are black with white edges, while its body is a rich blue color.
This species is mainly found in open woodlands and grasslands and typically feeds on insects and small animals.
Although the population size is currently stable, the plush-crested jay is considered vulnerable due to its limited range and the continuing destruction of its habitat. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocorax |
| Species | C. chrysops |
2. White-barred Piculet
The white-barred piculet is a unique species of bird within the subfamily Picumninae, which is part of the woodpecker family Picidae.
It is a small bird that can be found in seven countries in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its plumage is characterized by a distinctive white bar across the nape of its neck.
Its diet consists of insects and fruit, which it finds by using its beak to pick through the bark of trees and undergrowth. It is a solitary bird, often found in tropical and subtropical rainforests, but can also be found in more open habitats such as savannas and grasslands.
Its call is a high-pitched “tsit-tsit” that can be heard at dawn and dusk. This species is considered to be of least concern on the IUCN Red List, although it is facing threats from habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation and agricultural activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Picumnus |
| Species | P. cirratus |
3. Chaco Chachalaca
The Chaco chachalaca is a species of bird found in South America. It is part of the family Cracidae, which is made up of the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. This species of bird is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and possibly Uruguay.
It is a large bird with a long tail and is usually found in dry, open areas. Its diet consists of fruits, nuts, and insects. It is a social bird and is usually found in groups of two or more.
It is an important member of its ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and keep insect populations in check. The Chaco chachalaca is a very important species, and conservation efforts are underway to ensure its continued survival in its native habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Ortalis |
| Species | O. canicollis |
4. Tataupa Tinamou
The Tataupa tinamou is a ground-dwelling bird found in subtropical and tropical regions of southeastern South America. It belongs to the Tinamidae family, which consists of over 47 species of ground-dwelling birds.
This species of tinamou is recognizable by its brownish-gray and white feathers, long legs, and long, slender beak. The Tataupa tinamou primarily inhabits dry forests, where it is able to find the necessary resources for its diet and nesting needs.
It typically feeds on fruits, seeds, insects, and other small animals. The Tataupa tinamou is also an important part of the ecosystem, as it plays a role in dispersing the seeds of plants and trees, thereby aiding in the regeneration of forests.
Despite its importance, this species is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting and predation. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued survival of the Tataupa tinamou.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Crypturellus |
| Species | C. tataupa |
5. Spotted Nothura
The spotted nothura is a species of tinamou, a small flightless bird in the family Tinamidae. It is endemic to South America and can be found in grassy habitats in eastern and southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and eastern and northern Argentina.
This species is a small, plump bird that has a dark brown-grey upper body and a white-spotted black lower body. It has a short tail and a short, slightly curved beak. This species is usually seen in small groups, either foraging for food or running around in the grass.
It feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, small insects, and other small invertebrates. It is a relatively common species, and its population is considered to be of least concern. It is found in a variety of grassland habitats but is most abundant in open grasslands and pastures.
The spotted nothura is an active bird, often running around in search of food. It is also known to be a good flier, with some individuals able to cover long distances when searching for food or avoiding predators. Its call is a loud, harsh whistling sound.
The spotted nothura is an important species for the grassland ecosystem, as it helps to disperse seeds and control the populations of small insects and invertebrates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Nothura |
| Species | N. maculosa |
6. Picui Ground Dove
The Picui ground dove is a small ground-dwelling bird found in South America. It is part of the Columbidae family, which includes doves, pigeons, and quail.
The Picui ground dove has a large range, occurring in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. The Picui ground dove is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 8 and 10 inches in length. It has a grey body and a black tail and cap.
The wings are short and round, and the legs are strong and powerful. Its call is a loud ‘coo-coo’ sound that is often heard at dawn and dusk. The Picui ground dove feeds mainly on seeds, fruit, and insects. It is usually found in open fields, grasslands, and forest clearings.
It is also known to forage in gardens and orchards. The Picui ground dove nests on the ground, usually near water sources. The population of the Picui ground dove is stable. However, it is threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural and urban development.
It is also hunted for food in some areas. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columbina |
| Species | C. picui |
7. Red Pileated Finch
The red pileated finch is a species of bird belonging to the family Thraupidae. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive red crest, which gives it its other common name – the red-crested finch.
This species of bird is found in several South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, and Peru.
It is usually found on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains, where it is known to inhabit a variety of different habitats, such as moist montane forests, subtropical or tropical dry forests, and shrubland.
It is an omnivorous species, and its diet consists of both insects and fruit. Due to its large range and population, the red pileated finch is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Coryphospingus |
| Species | C. cucullatus |
8. Narrow-billed Woodcreeper
Source: ebird.org
The Narrow-billed Woodcreeper is a type of bird belonging to the subfamily Dendrocolaptinae, which is part of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. This species of bird is mainly found in South America, in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Suriname, and Uruguay.
It is a medium-sized woodcreeper, usually measuring between 18 and 20 cm in length. It has a long, slender bill, short legs, and a rounded tail. Its plumage is mostly greyish brown, with a white belly and blackish spots on the wings and tail.
The Narrow-billed Woodcreeper prefers to live in dense forests and woodland areas. It feeds mainly on insects, larvae, and small vertebrates, which it finds by probing the bark of trees.
The Narrow-billed Woodcreeper is a fairly common species and is not currently considered to be at risk.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Furnariidae |
| Genus | Lepidocolaptes |
| Species | L. angustirostris |
9. White-tipped Dove
The white-tipped dove is a species of large tropical dove, found in the New World. Its scientific name is Zenaida Asiatica Verreauxii, which is a tribute to the French naturalists Jules and Edouard Verreaux.
The naturalists were brothers who studied the flora and fauna of South America, including the white-tipped dove. They were among the first to describe the species in detail, noting its distinctive white-tipped tail feathers and unique vocalizations.
The species is widely distributed throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America, and parts of the southern United States. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects.
It is also known for its distinct and beautiful white-tipped tail feathers, which have made it popular among birders and collectors. The white-tipped dove is an important species in the tropical ecosystem, both as a food source for other animals and as a pollinator of plants.
Its presence is an indicator of a healthy, diverse habitat. It is also valued for its symbolic meaning, with its white-tipped feathers representing peace, purity, and hope.
The white-tipped dove has a long, rich history, and its scientific name is a fitting tribute to the Verreaux brothers who were responsible for introducing the species to science. Its beauty and importance to the environment have inspired generations of naturalists and birders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Leptotila |
| Species | L. verreauxi |
10. Blue-black Grassquit
The blue-black grassquit is a small, unique species of bird found in the Neotropical region. It is part of the tanager family, Thraupidae, and is the only member of its own genus, Volatinia.
This small passerine bird is native to Central and South America and is typically found in semi-open habitats such as savannas, grasslands, and scrub. Its main diet consists of grass and weed seeds, but it also eats insects.
This species is easily identifiable by its distinctive coloration; the male has a deep blue-black body with a white belly, while the female is a plainer brown in color. The blue-black grassquit usually lives in pairs and is not considered a threatened species.
However, its populations are declining due to the destruction of its natural habitats. As a result, conservation efforts are being made to protect the species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Volatinia |
| Species | V. jacarina |
Conclusion
Birds in Salta are some of the most diverse species in the world. They provide a unique and fascinating insight into the incredible biodiversity of the region, and their vibrant colors and calls are a delight to behold.
The region’s varied habitats, from dry deserts to lush jungles, provide a safe haven for many species and an opportunity to observe them in their natural environment.
As Salta continues to develop and expand, it is important to protect and preserve these birds, to ensure that they remain a part of the region’s unique and beautiful ecosystem.