Bird Gallery

The variety of species and ease of viewing make the Falkland Islands a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers alike. From the colourful long-tailed meadowlark and chiloe widgeon to the more sombre colours but playful antics of penguins there are plenty of birds to enjoy.

The Falklands are regarded worldwide as having significant importance to seabird and marine mammal populations, a reputation which draws people from all corners of the globe to view the abundance of wildlife in the most natural of settings.

Take a look though our bird gallery to find out more about some of the key species including where and when to find them. Also, visit our stand at Birdfair between 20th - 22nd August at Rutland Water, Leicestershire, UK.

Penguins
Five species of penguins breed regularly in the Falklands, two of which, the king and the gentoo, are resident all year round. Magellanic, macaroni and rockhopper are migratory species, spending the austral summer in the Falkland Islands. Vagrant species are periodically recorded - tour guides and accommodation providers will give up-to-date information about latest sightings. Read more...

Seabirds
The black-browed albatross is one of the most attractive seabirds; the Islands are an important area for this bird, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation, as colonies amount to over 70% of the world population. Petrels, shags, skuas, gulls and terns are seen in numberous coastal locations around the islands. Read more...

Waterbirds
Waterbirds include grebes, herons, swans, geese and ducks along with the occasional sighting of vagrant flamingoes and cattle egrets from South America. Far more common are the ubiquitous upland geese and the endemic Falkland Flightless Steamer duck which frequent many parts of the archipelago. Read more...

Shorebirds
Shorebirds provide many hours of entertainment and easy photographic opportunities, hunting for food on the rocky coastlines and runningly quickly across the beautiful white sand beaches. Snowy sheathbills are curious birds who will take a particular interest in fishing and photographic activities. Other shorebirds include oystercatchers, plovers, snipes and sandpipers. Read more...

Land birds
This section of our bird gallery includes birds of prey and smaller birds, many of which are found in both coastal and inland locations. The most iconic of these is perhaps the Striated caracara - inquisitive by nature, quick to steal items of interest and keen to know what you are doing! The endemic Cobb's wren can be found on predator-free islands. Read more...

Sources
Information compiled with reference to:-
"Birds and Mammals of the Falkland Islands", Robin W and Anne Woods (published 2006)
"Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Falkland Islands", Robin W and Anne Woods (published 1997)
"Wildlife of the Falkland Islands", Ian J Strange (published 1992)
See Recommended Reading to find out more about these texts.