Bird Watching

Across the Falkland Islands there are many and varied birding opportunities. The Islands are home to some of the largest colonies of birds of both rare and enchanting species. Key species, besides the ubiquitous penguins, include albatrosses, shearwaters and petrels, geese, the inquisitive striated caracara and three endemic species – Cobb’s wren, Falklands Flightless Steamer duck and Tussac bird.

Bird life proliferates everywhere but if you are hoping to see a particular species, research your destination to be sure you will find it. Cobb’s wrens are on rodent-free islands. The captivating striated caracara, found on most offshore islands, is a delight to behold but keep a keen eye on your belongings as this bird has a thieving tendency.

Sooty shearwaters raft offshore in large numbers, producing fantastic sights and sounds as they return to their nests in the tussac grass as dusk falls. Kidney Island, accessible from our capital, Stanley, is the largest breeding colony of these birds.

Albatrosses galore

Iconic black-browed albatrosses breed around the archipelago – over 70% of the world’s population can be found here - but are most numerous on the Jason Island group, which is a stopping point for some expedition vessels. Visiting in the summer months, these spectacular birds have an amazing wing-span of 210 – 250 cm (7 – 8 ft) and produce fluffy, grey young, frequently nesting in association with Rockhopper penguins. Magnificent in flight, clumsy when landing but elegant in appearance, the albatross is a stunning photographic study.

Stunning seabirds

Other striking seabirds include the southern giant petrel which also sweeps majestically along the shores, storm petrels and diving petrels. Rock cormorants and imperial cormorants breed in the Islands, skuas and gulls are plentiful, terns can be seen in some locations.

Plentiful birdlife

Oystercatchers, plovers and kelp geese inhabit many shores. Upland geese are plentiful and their similar counterparts, ruddy headed geese, breed at a number of locations. Black-crowned night herons pick their way carefully and quietly along the water’s edge, often sheltering under old jetties and shipwrecks.

The striking southern caracara has colourful plumage but it’s the inquisitive nature of the striated caracara that will bring this bird to your attention!

These are just a few of the birds you will find here on the Falklands.

Follow the Countryside Code, find an observation spot around 6 metres (20 feet) from the birds and you may find that they come to take a look at you.