Welcome to the wonderful world of birds in Asunción! Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is home to many different species of birds, both native and migratory. This city is a great place for birders to observe and explore the diversity of birds from around the world.
From colorful parrots and toucans to elusive owls and hummingbirds, Asunción is a birdwatching paradise. With its diverse habitats, ranging from wetlands to grasslands and forests, birders can find a variety of species here.
So come explore and experience the beauty of birds in Asunción.
1. Blue-fronted Amazon
The blue-fronted Amazon is a species of parrot native to South America. It is widely kept as a pet or companion bird and is renowned for its beauty and intelligence.
The blue-fronted Amazon is also known by several other names, including the blue-fronted parrot, the turquoise-fronted Amazon and the turquoise-fronted parrot.
It is one of the most popular species of Amazon parrots kept in captivity, and it makes a wonderful companion for those who are looking for a feathered friend. The blue-fronted Amazon is a medium-sized parrot, typically ranging from 12-14 inches in length.
It has a bright yellowish-green body with a blue frontal band and a red beak. Its wings are mainly green with some blue-green feathers on top, and its tail is long and pointed. The blue-fronted Amazon is a social bird, and it loves to spend time with its owners.
It is highly intelligent and can learn to speak a few words and phrases, as well as recognize its name. It enjoys playing with toys and can be trained to perform tricks.
It is also known for its playful and mischievous behavior and will often clown around with its owners.The blue-fronted Amazon is an active and inquisitive bird and needs plenty of attention and stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
It is important to provide it with plenty of toys and activities to keep it occupied and entertained.
It also needs adequate space to move around freely and should be allowed to fly outside in a secure aviary. In conclusion, the blue-fronted Amazon is a beautiful and intelligent parrot that makes a wonderful companion pet.
It is a social bird that loves to spend time with its owners and can learn to speak a few words, play games, and perform tricks. It needs plenty of attention and stimulation, as well as a spacious and secure home.
With the proper care and attention, the blue-fronted Amazon can provide years of companionship and joy to its owners.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Amazona |
| Species | A. aestiva |
2. Nanday Parakeet
The nanday parakeet is a species of Neotropical parrot native to South America that is medium-sized and mostly green. It is also known as the black-hooded parakeet or nanday conure.
These parakeets are native to continental South America and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from moist lowland forests to humid mountain forests, and even dry and semi-arid habitats.
They feed on a variety of fruits, seeds, and buds, and are also known to eat small insects. They are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks, and have a remarkable ability to mimic human speech.
They are popular as pets due to their playful and inquisitive nature, and can easily learn to talk and perform tricks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Aratinga |
| Species | A. nenday |
3. Guira Cuckoo
The guira cuckoo is a species of bird that is found in several South American countries. It is a gregarious animal, meaning that it typically groups together in large numbers.
It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open habitats, such as grasslands and woodlands, in Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and northeastern Argentina. As its name implies, the guira cuckoo is the only species in its genus.
This means that it is the only bird of its kind in the entire taxonomic family. Its appearance is distinct from other birds in the area, with a long, slender tail, and a white underside with brown and black speckles.
The guira cuckoo is also known for its loud, distinctive call, which is often heard in the early morning and late evening.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Guira |
| Species | G. guira |
4. Blue-crowned Trogon
The blue-crowned trogon is a species of bird that belongs to the family of Trogonidae, which includes quetzals and trogons. This species is found in various parts of South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
As is the case for all trogons, there is a difference in the physical appearance of males and females, a phenomenon known as sexual dimorphism. Males of this species have a distinctive blue crown and females have a brown crown.
Further, males tend to have brighter plumage in comparison to females. The blue-crowned trogon feeds on fruits, insects, and lizards. It usually nests in tree cavities or in the hollows of cacti. They have a loud call, often described as a rolling “kow-kow-kow”.
This species is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation, as its population is believed to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Trogoniformes |
| Family | Trogonidae |
| Genus | Trogon |
| Species | T. curucui |
5. Southern Lapwing
The southern lapwing is a wading bird of the order Charadriiformes that can be found in many parts of South America. It is known by a variety of different names in different countries. In Brazil, it is called quero-quero, while in Argentina and Uruguay, it is referred to as tero.
In Chile, the bird is known as queltehue. The southern lapwing is quite distinctive in its appearance, with striking white, black, and brown plumage. Its long legs and neck give it a unique silhouette, and its long, pointed beak is ideal for catching prey.
This species is also known to emit loud, repetitive calls to communicate with other members of its flock. The southern lapwing faces a number of threats, including habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution.
The bird is also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as rising sea levels and extreme weather events can cause significant damage to its nesting sites. Despite these challenges, southern lapwing continues to be a common sight in these parts of South America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. chilensis |
6. Red-crested Cardinal
The red-crested cardinal is a species of songbird belonging to the family of tanagers. It is a small bird, about the size of a sparrow, found in parts of Central and South America. While it has the same name as the true cardinal family, it is not closely related to them.
This bird is also known as the Brazilian cardinal, due to its range covering parts of Brazil. It is a brightly-colored bird, with a primarily red body and a distinctive black-and-white striped crest.
The red-crested cardinal is a popular bird to observe, as it is known for its beautiful songs. The bird will also often be seen eating fruit and seeds from the ground or perched on a tree branch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Paroaria |
| Species | P. coronata |
7. Striped Cuckoo
The striped cuckoo is a species of bird that is classified in the near-passerine family. It is the only member of the genus Tapera and its range extends from Mexico and Trinidad in the north to Bolivia and Argentina in the south.
This cuckoo species is known as a resident species, meaning it does not migrate. The striped cuckoo prefers to inhabit open areas with trees and shrubs such as pastures, grasslands, and edges of mangrove forests.
It is an adaptable bird and it uses various vegetation types for cover from predators. The bird is mainly found in lowlands, but it can also be seen in higher elevations up to 2,000 meters.
It feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and seeds, and it can often be heard calling out during the day.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Tapera |
| Species | T. naevia |
8. White Monjita
The white monjita is a species of bird belonging to the family Tyrannidae, which is commonly known as the tyrant flycatchers. This species is found in several parts of South America, such as Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay.
It typically inhabits subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, as well as heavily degraded former forest. In Brazil, it is found in the regions of Caatinga and Pantanal. The white monjita is a plump bird with a short, wide bill, a white head, and grey wings.
Its body is white and its tail is black. It is usually found in pairs or small family groups, often perched on low branches or near the ground.
It feeds primarily on insects, which it catches in mid-air with its agile flying skills. This species prefers to inhabit open, dry forests with low shrubbery.
The white monjita is not known to be affected by human activities, making it a relatively common sight in its natural habitats. Unfortunately, the white monjita is considered to be near threatened due to the destruction of its natural habitats.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species, such as creating reserves and protected areas in its native range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Xolmis |
| Species | X. irupero |
9. Buff-breasted Sandpiper
The buff-breasted sandpiper is a small shorebird that belongs to the calidrid sandpiper family. Its species name, subruficollis, is derived from the Latin words ‘subrufus’ meaning ‘reddish’, and ‘collis’ meaning ‘necked’ or ‘throated’.
This species is known for its reddish neck and throat, which makes it easily distinguishable from other shorebirds. The buff-breasted sandpiper usually breeds in the Arctic tundra but migrates to warmer climates during the winter months.
It is a medium-sized shorebird and is generally found in grassy areas near the shore in flocks of up to a few hundred birds. It can often be found foraging for food in small groups and is known to feed on a variety of insect larvae, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
The buff-breasted sandpiper is also known for its distinctive call, which is a high-pitched trill.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. subruficollis |
10. Brazilian Teal
The Brazilian teal, or Brazilian duck, is a species of waterfowl that is native to South America. It is the only species belonging to the genus Amazonetta, which is in the dabbling duck family Anatidae.
This species is found in many areas of eastern South America, ranging from Colombia and Venezuela in the north to Argentina and Brazil in the south. It is an omnivorous species, feeding on a variety of plant material, insects, larvae, and small fish.
The Brazilian teal prefers to inhabit shallow freshwater wetlands and marshes, as well as flooded grasslands. It is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of around 30 cm.
The male has a grey-brown back, a white belly, and a blue-green head with a white stripe running from its eyes to the back of its neck. The female is similar in coloration but has a more muted appearance.
The Brazilian teal is a social species, often seen in small flocks, and is known to form large flocks during the winter. It is an important species for local people, who often hunt it for food.
The Brazilian teal is not considered to be threatened, although its population is decreasing due to habitat loss and degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Amazonetta |
| Species | A. brasiliensis |
11. White-barred Piculet
The white-barred piculet is an intriguing species of bird that belongs to the subfamily Picumninae, which is part of the woodpecker family Picidae.
These birds can be found in a wide range of countries throughout South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The white-barred piculet is an incredibly small bird, measuring in at only about 4.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of just 5.9 inches. They have a primarily black and white coloration, with a distinctive white stripe running across their face.
The wings and tail are black with white spots, and the underside of the tail is white with black spots. In terms of behavior, these birds are quite active and have a wide range of vocalizations.
They typically live in small groups, and their diet consists of a variety of insects and fruit. They build their nests in tree cavities, and it has been observed that they will often use pieces of bark and lichen to line the inside of their nest.
The white-barred piculet is currently listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List, as its population is believed to be stable. However, there is still some concern about the potential impact of deforestation and other human activities on their habitat.
Therefore, it is important to continue to monitor the population of these birds in order to ensure that they remain healthy and safe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Picumnus |
| Species | P. cirratus |
12. Crested Caracara
The crested caracara is an imposing bird of prey in the family Falconidae. It is widely distributed across Central and South America, with its range extending as far north as Minnesota and as far south as Tierra del Fuego.
This impressive species is easily identifiable by its black and white plumage, with the prominent crest on its head.
It has a diverse diet that includes small mammals, reptiles, and carrion. The crested caracara was formerly classified in the genus Polyborus but has since been placed in its own genus, Caracara.
This change reflects the fact that the species is morphologically distinct from other members of the Polyborus genus and has unique behavioral traits. The crested caracara is a highly adaptable species and is often seen in urban environments.
It is a symbol of strength and resilience in many Latin American countries and is also the national bird of Panama.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Caracara |
| Species | C. plancus |
13. Maguari Stork
The maguari stork is a species of large stork that can be found in many seasonal wetlands located in South America. It is very similar in appearance to the white stork, however, it is slightly larger in size.
The maguari stork is a migratory bird, and it is usually found near water bodies. It feeds on a variety of small animals, such as fish, frogs, and insects, as well as some plant materials. The maguari stork has a long, slender neck and a large, curved bill.
The upper parts of their body are typically greyish-white, while their underparts are usually white. Their legs and feet are usually yellow or orange color. The maguari stork is a protected species, and its population is currently stable.
They are an important part of the local ecosystems, as they help to maintain the balance of the wetland habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. maguari |
14. Tanagers
The Thraupidae family of birds, commonly known as tanagers, is part of the Passeriformes order of avian species.
These birds are found in the Neotropics and are the second-largest bird family in the world, accounting for about 4% of all avian species and 12% of the birds residing in the Neotropics. Tanagers come in a wide range of colors and sizes, but all share a few common traits.
They generally have short, rounded wings and long tails, and their wings make a distinctive whistling sound when they fly. Tanagers feed mainly on fruits but also eat insects and other small invertebrates. They are also known to feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.
Some species of tanagers form flocks to forage, while others hunt alone.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
15. Barred Antshrike
The Barred Antshrike is a type of bird belonging to the antbird family.
It can be found in an area spanning from the northern parts of Mexico, called Tamaulipas, all the way through Central America, Trinidad and Tobago, and a large portion of South America east of the Andes Mountains.
The range extends so far south that it can be found in northern Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. This bird is a passerine, which means it is part of the order of birds which includes perching birds such as thrushes, warblers, and sparrows.
The Barred Antshrike has a grey head and black upperparts, with a white stripe over its eye and a white band across its breast. Its belly is pale grey and its wings are black with white stripes.
The Barred Antshrike inhabits humid and dry forests, woodlands, and mangroves, and is often found in pairs or small groups. It feeds mainly on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates which it catches by gleaning from the foliage or by sallying from a perch.
The Barred Antshrike is not considered to be a threatened species and is classified as being of least concern by the IUCN. It is however, threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities. It is also vulnerable to trapping by local hunters.
Conservation measures are needed to ensure the species is protected and its population remains stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thamnophilidae |
| Genus | Thamnophilus |
| Species | T. doliatus |
16. Black-capped Warbling Finch
The black-capped warbling finch is a species of bird belonging to the family Thraupidae. This species is primarily found in South America, spread out across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and western Uruguay.
The natural habitats of this species are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
These areas provide the warbling finch with a suitable environment for its diet, which mainly consists of insects and larvae. The warbling finch is a small bird, with an average size of 12-14 cm.
Its feathers are mostly grayish-brown, with a black cap and a white patch on its face. The bird is known for its cheerful and melodious song, which it uses to attract a mate and defend its territory.
Furthermore, the warbling finch is known to be quite sociable, often seen in small flocks. This species of bird is quite common in its native range and is not threatened with extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Microspingus |
| Species | M. melanoleucus |
Conclusion
Birds in Asunción are an important part of the city’s natural beauty. They provide a unique and diverse range of species for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
From colorful parrots to scavenging vultures, birds in Asunción are an important part of the city’s ecological landscape.
With the continued commitment of local citizens and conservation efforts, these birds will continue to make Asunción a vibrant and diverse place to live.