24 Birds That Live Around East Falkland

East Falkland is home to many species of birds, each with its own unique characteristics and habits that make them fascinating to observe.

From the native Falkland pipit and ruddy-headed goose to migratory birds such as the Arctic tern and the short-billed dowitcher, the island provides a diverse range of habitats for birds to thrive in. Because of the island's isolation and varied landscape, many of these bird species are found nowhere else in the world.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the birdlife in East Falkland, their behaviors and habits, and how they contribute to the island's rich biodiversity.

1. Turkey vulture

The turkey vulture is a large bird of prey that can be found in many parts of the world. It has a wingspan of up to 6 feet and its feathers are mostly black with brownish-red patches on the underside which give it an overall dark red appearance.

Its head is bald, which helps protect it from getting overheated when flying long distances looking for food.

The Turkey Vulture usually feeds off carrion but will also feed on fruit and insects.

Its keen eyesight allows them to spot potential meals from miles away while they soar through the sky using their broad wings and thermal air currents to stay aloft without expending much energy.

They are very important scavengers as they keep ecosystems healthy by consuming dead animals before disease can spread amongst living creatures or contaminate local water sources like rivers or lakes

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Cathartidae
Genus	Cathartes
Species	C. aura

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2. Eurasian teal

The Eurasian teal, also known as the common teal or the Eurasian green-winged teal, is a small dabbling duck that inhabits temperate Europe and Asia.

It has an unmistakable blue-green colouring which gives it its name.

During winter months they migrate south in large flocks to areas with warmer climates where there is more food available for them to feed on.

The Eurasian Teals are highly social birds; they often congregate in groups of hundreds or even thousands during migration periods.

They mostly feed on aquatic vegetation such as grasses and weeds but will occasionally hunt insects too.

These ducks make beautiful sights when flying over lakes or streams, their wings producing a distinctive whistling sound while they glide across the sky.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Anas
Species	A. crecca

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3. Southern giant petrel

The Southern giant petrel is a large seabird native to the southern oceans, and it overlaps broadly with its similar counterpart, the Northern giant petrel.

Adults of both species can be distinguished by their bill-tip color: greenish in the south and yellowish in the north.

The Southern giant petrel also goes by other names such as Antarctic giant petrel, Giant fulmar, Stinker or Stinkpot.

These birds are around 75 cm (30 inches) long on average and have striking white plumage combined with brown wings that give them an impressive appearance while they soar through skies above open waters searching for food like fish, krill and squid - which they can catch up to 100 meters below sea level.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Procellariiformes
Family	Procellariidae
Genus	Macronectes
Species	M. giganteus

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4. Chiloé wigeon

The Chiloé Wigeon is a species of dabbling duck native to the southern parts of South America, including the eponymous Chiloé Archipelago. It has an unmistakable plumage - brown and white with light gray patches on its head and neck.

The wigeon can be found in freshwater lakes, marshes, swamps and lagoons throughout its range. They mostly feed on aquatic vegetation but have also been observed eating insects.

This species is sometimes known as Pato Overo ("piebald duck") or Pato Real ("royal duck") due to their striking colouration which stands out among other waterfowls in the region.

Although not globally threatened at present, local populations may be declining owing to hunting pressure and habitat destruction caused by human activities such as agriculture expansion and wetland drainage projects

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Mareca
Species	M. sibilatrix

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5. Magellanic penguin

The Magellanic penguin is a beloved South American bird that breeds in coastal Patagonia, including Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. It migrates to Brazil and Uruguay occasionally as far north as Espirito Santo.

Vagrants have even been spotted in El Salvador, Antarctica's Avian Island and Australia/New Zealand.

This species of penguin is perhaps most recognizable for its striking black-and-white plumage - it has an entirely white underbelly with two distinctive stripes across its back which are black above and white below.

Additionally, they possess large pinkish feet which act like paddles when swimming underwater; these birds can swim up to 20 mph.

The Magellanic Penguin typically lives around 15 years but some may live longer due to their strong social bonds within colonies.

All in all this majestic creature makes quite the statement both on land or sea - making them a unique addition our planet’s wildlife population.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Sphenisciformes
Family	Spheniscidae
Genus	Spheniscus
Species	S. magellanicus

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6. Upland goose

The Upland Goose, also known as the Magellan Goose, is a species of sheldgoose belonging to the Anatidae family.

With its similar habits and appearance to true geese, this bird has two recognized subspecies - Chloephaga picta leucoptera and C. p. picta which inhabit regions in South America such as Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego respectively.

They are highly sociable birds that live in small flocks or pairs on open grassland with access to water sources for bathing and twilight feedings when they hunt for food items like insects, worms or molluscs.

Their feathers range from brownish grey colours along their wings while white underparts give them an overall spotted effect making these birds very attractive creatures.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Chloephaga
Species	C. picta

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7. Black-crowned night heron

The Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a medium-sized bird found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and North and South America.

It has black crowns on its head with white feathers underneath. Its wings are greyish brown while its underparts are mostly white.

This species can be seen foraging near shallow water or along coastlines during dusk or dawn as it hunts small fish, amphibians and crustaceans.

They also feed on insects such as grasshoppers and beetles which they find in meadows close to freshwater bodies like lakes or ponds where they breed during springtime making nests using twigs lined with reeds and leaves near these waterside habitats.

In Australasia, this species hybridizes with the nankeen night heron that inhabits those areas instead; however both populations remain distinct from each other despite their overlap range regions.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Nycticorax
Species	N. nycticorax

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8. Albatrosses

Albatrosses are majestic, large seabirds belonging to the Diomedeidae family in the Procellariiformes order.

These birds have an impressive wingspan and can fly great distances over oceans with minimal effort.

They inhabit all of the world’s southern oceans, ranging from Antarctica up through New Zealand and Australia as well as parts of the northern Pacific Ocean region.

Albatross populations were once abundant throughout much of their range but they now face threats such as longline fishing gear entanglement which has caused a significant decline in numbers in some areas.

Furthermore, occasional vagrants have been found outside their native ranges including fossil remains suggesting that albatrosses previously existed on other regions too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Procellariiformes
Family	Diomedeidae G.R. Gray 1840[1]

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9. Penguins

Penguins are an amazing species of aquatic birds that live mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. They have a unique plumage, which is black and white countershaded to aid them while swimming in the water.

Penguins feed mostly on krill, small crustaceans found near Antarctica. These remarkable creatures can't fly but they compensate by being excellent swimmers due to their flippers-like wings which help them move faster underwater.

All this makes penguins one of nature's most fascinating animals - not just for kids.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Austrodyptornithes
Order	Sphenisciformes Sharpe, 1891
Family	Spheniscidae Bonaparte, 1831

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10. Black-browed Albatross

The Black-browed Albatross is a majestic seabird that belongs to the albatross family known as Diomedeidae.

It is an impressive bird, with its black beak and brow contrasting against white plumage on its wings and body.

The most widespread and common member of this group, it can often be seen flying around oceans in different parts of the world.

These birds share many features with other members of their order Procellariiformes, such as shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels; they all have long wingspans for gliding effortlessly above water surfaces.

They feed mainly by scavenging or hunting small fish near sea surface while flying low over waters.

Its population has unfortunately declined due to commercial fishing vessels which attract them closer to shore resulting in entanglement into fishing nets leading them towards mortality.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Procellariiformes
Family	Diomedeidae
Genus	Thalassarche
Species	T. melanophris

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11. King penguin

King penguins are majestic birds that live in the temperate and sub-Antarctic regions of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

They stand up to 3 feet tall, making them smaller than their relative, the Emperor Penguin.

King Penguins have a distinctive two toned orange and black plumage with white markings on its face around its eyes which gives it an elegant look.

Unlike other species of penguin, they don't migrate as much but stay close to breeding grounds year round living off from fish and squid found near shorelines or ice floes.

Their diet also consists of krill shrimp, small crustaceans such as copepods or amphipods eaten whole along with some occasional planktonic organisms like jellyfish for variety.

King Penguins form large colonies where males take part in incubation duties while females feed at sea for weeks at a time during mating season.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Sphenisciformes
Family	Spheniscidae
Genus	Aptenodytes
Species	A. patagonicus

12. Gentoo penguin

Gentoo penguins are an iconic species of birds found in the Falkland Islands. They have a distinctive black and white plumage, with a bright orange beak and feet.

The gentoo is one of three closely related species—the Adélie Penguin (P. adeliae) and chinstrap penguin (P. antarcticus)—and they can all be seen co-existing in their natural habitat near open water or on ice shelves around Antarctica, including the South Shetlands, Orkneys, South Georgia islands, Kerguelen Islands and Macquarie Island to name just a few places.

This sociable bird is known for its loud call which sounds like “gentooooo”; it also makes other vocalizations such as honks during courtship displays.

Gentoos prefer to live in large colonies but will often nest alone or form small groups when needed.

With climate change having an increasingly negative effect on Antarctic habitats these days it's more important than ever that we protect this fascinating animal so future generations may enjoy them too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Sphenisciformes
Family	Spheniscidae
Genus	Pygoscelis
Species	P. papua

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13. Dolphin gull

The Dolphin Gull is a medium-sized gull native to southern Chile, Argentina and the Falkland Islands. It has greyish feathers with darker wings, a yellow bill and legs of varying lengths - depending on its age.

They inhabit rocky, muddy and sandy shores near seabird colonies where they search for food such as fish, crabs or other aquatic creatures.

The adults are particularly good swimmers who can dive underwater in pursuit of their prey; whereas the young birds prefer scavenging from shoreline garbage dumps.

Dolphins Gulls form large breeding colonies during which time both males and females take part in elaborate courtship rituals to attract mates followed by nesting activities like incubating eggs together before raising chicks together too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae
Genus	Leucophaeus
Species	L. scoresbii

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14. Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross

The Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross is a large seabird belonging to the albatross family Diomedeidae. It has gray and white plumage, with pale yellow markings around its nose and eyes.

This small mollymawk was once thought to be the same species as Indian Yellow-Nosed Albatross, but now it is recognised as distinct.

Its diet consists of squid, fish eggs and other marine creatures that can be found near the surface of the ocean.

It nests on islands off coastlines in southern Africa and South America during breeding season from October to April each year.

The Atlantic yellow nosed albatrosses are typically solitary birds yet they will congregate at nesting sites for mating purposes or form feeding flocks when food becomes abundant in an area..

They have been classified vulnerable by IUCN due their decreasing population numbers caused by fishing activities which entangle them accidentally into nets.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Procellariiformes
Family	Diomedeidae
Genus	Thalassarche
Species	T. chlororhynchos

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15. Cobb's wren

Cobb's wren is a small bird endemic to the Falkland Islands. It was previously classified as a subspecies of house wren, but its distinct features - including differences in plumage, voice and morphology - have since earned it recognition as an individual species.

This bird measures only 12-13.5 cm long, making it one of the smallest members of the Troglodytes genus family.

Its scientific name commemorates Arthur Cobb, who wrote about his experiences on these islands during his lifetime; while its common name has also been adopted from him in tribute to this legacy.

With brownish grey feathers covering their bodies and white bellies contrasting against them nicely, Cobb’s Wrens are often spotted flitting between trees or singing out across meadows with their cheerful little songs.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Troglodytidae
Genus	Troglodytes
Species	T. cobbi

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16. Greylag goose

The Greylag goose, also known as the Graylag goose, is a large waterfowl bird belonging to the Anatidae family.

This bird species is the typical species of the genus Anser and is easily identified by its mottled and barred grey and white plumage, orange beak, and pink legs.

It is a big bird, measuring between 74-91 centimeters in length and weighs an average of 3.3 kilograms.

The Greylag goose is widely distributed and found in various habitats throughout its range. Despite being large birds, they are known for their graceful and elegant flight style.

These birds also mate for life and the pairs bond during the breeding season. Due to their robust nature, Greylag geese are highly protected, and their numbers are steadily increasing.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Anser
Species	A. anser

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17. Silvery grebe

The Silvery Grebe is a freshwater bird found in the western and southern parts of South America. It can survive in altitudes of up to 4,000 metres and is even known to feed in saline lakes.

Measuring about 28 cm in length, this bird has two different subspecies with varying coloring on their heads.

The Silvery Grebe mainly feeds on small fish, crustaceans and aquatic vegetation.

Their natural habitat is freshwater lakes where they build their nests among aquatic plants. The Silvery Grebe has a unique appearance with a silvery-gray plumage and red eyes.

They are usually seen swimming on the surface of the water or diving to forage for food.

Their conservation status is currently listed as Least Concern.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Podicipediformes
Family	Podicipedidae
Genus	Podiceps
Species	P. occipitalis

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18. Long-tailed meadowlark

The Long-tailed meadowlark is a beautiful passerine bird found in southern South America and the Falkland Islands. The bird is approximately 25 to 28 cm long with a long, pointed bill and a fairly long tail.

The male species is predominantly dark brown with blackish streaking, while the female has a duller brown color. The Long-tailed meadowlark belongs to the meadowlark genus Leistes and falls under the icterid family.

Interestingly, this species is very similar in appearance to the endangered Pampas meadowlark.

These birds can be found in grasslands, agricultural fields, and open habitats with low shrubs. They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates.

The Long-tailed meadowlark has a beautiful song that sounds like a melodious whistle, which is audible from a distance.

Although they are not classified as endangered, habitat loss due to human activities is a threat to their populations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Leistes
Species	L. loyca

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19. Kelp goose

The kelp goose is a species of waterfowl found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. It belongs to the Tadornini tribe of subfamily Anserinae. This bird has two subspecies, C. h. hybrida and C. h. malvinarum.

The kelp goose is a medium-sized bird, measuring 55 to 65 cm in length. Male kelp geese of its nominate subspecies weigh 2.54 to 2.58 kg, while females weigh 2.00 to 2.17 kg.

These birds are known for their beautiful feathers, and their striking appearance makes them a popular species among bird enthusiasts.

Due to their aquatic nature, kelp geese are often spotted near the water, feeding on aquatic plants and insects.

They are an important part of the ecosystem and play a significant role in maintaining an ecological balance.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Chloephaga
Species	C. hybrida

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20. Rockhopper penguin

The Rockhopper penguin is a small-sized bird found in the southern parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They have distinctive bright yellow eyebrows and a feather crest on their head.

They mainly feed on krill, crustaceans, and small fish. These penguins are known for their unique behavior of hopping from rock to rock and swimming rapidly through the water.

They have the ability to jump vertically up to 1.5 meters high in order to reach their nesting sites.

Rockhopper penguins are monogamous and often return to the same breeding grounds year after year. Unfortunately, their population is declining due to overfishing, climate change, and loss of habitat.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect these charismatic birds and their important role in the ecosystem.

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21. Striated caracara

Known as the Johnny rook in the Falkland Islands, the striated caracara is a bird of prey belonging to the falcon and caracara family. It is found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.

This bird is listed as Near Threatened and is also referred to as Forster's caracara. It was first described in 1788 by the German scientist Johann Friedrich Gmelin.

As an apex predator, the striated caracara plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, controlling the population of small animals.

However, the population of striated caracaras is threatened due to habitat destruction and hunting.

Despite its name, the bird has a mottled appearance with black and white feathers. The striated caracara is a fascinating species of bird that is essential to the ecosystem.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Falconidae
Genus	Phalcoboenus
Species	P. australis

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22. Falkland steamer duck

The Falkland steamer duck is a flightless bird that can be found exclusively on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Unlike other ducks, its swimming behavior has an unusual touch, resembling the motion of an old paddle steamer.

The Falkland steamer duck is one of the two bird species that are only found on the Falklands. Although it is not a threatened species, it is protected by the government of the Falkland Islands due to its limited distribution.

The bird is often seen in pairs or small groups and feeds on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms found in the shallow coastal waters.

Its plumage is primarily dark brown with flecks of white and black while the head and neck are a dull grey.

The Falkland steamer duck plays an essential role in the ecosystem of the Falkland Islands and is considered to be a significant part of the archipelago's unique biodiversity.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Tachyeres
Species	T. brachypterus

23. Ruddy-headed goose

The ruddy-headed goose is a type of waterfowl found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. It is a monotypic species, which means it does not have any sub-species.

This bird can grow to be 45-52.5 cm (18-21 in) long and males are typically heavier than females. Speaking of weight, the males can weigh up to 2.02 kg (4.5 lb) and females can weigh between 1.20 to 1.50 kg (2.6 to 3.3 lb).

Interestingly, adults of this species have the same plumage meaning males and females look similar. They are called "ruddy-headed" because their heads are often a reddish color.

While not much is known about their behavior, the ruddy-headed goose is certainly a unique and interesting bird.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Chloephaga
Species	C. rubidiceps

24. Macaroni penguin

The Macaroni penguin is a type of crested penguin found in regions ranging from the Subantarctic to the Antarctic Peninsula. Its striking appearance includes a black face and upperparts that contrast with the bird's white underbelly.

The Macaroni penguin is easily recognized by its unique yellow crest. Some experts consider this bird and the royal penguin to be the same species due to their close relationship.

The Macaroni penguin is a fascinating species that is a master of swimming and diving in the frigid waters of the South Atlantic.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Sphenisciformes
Family	Spheniscidae
Genus	Eudyptes
Species	E. chrysolophus