North-west Argentina diversity

The north-west of Argentina is one of the most attractive regions in the country for any birdwatcher or nature lover. This is because of its very high diversity of habitats and species, in a relatively small area: from east to west, a short transect would go from the Dry Chaco forest, across the Sierran Chaco, different layers of Southern Yungas, Pre-puna, Puna and High Andes.

There are many highlights in the region, including some Argentine endemic and "almost endemic" (shared only with Bolivia) species, such as Huayco Tinamou, Red-faced Guan, Bare-eyed Ground Dove (endemic), Large-tailed Dove, Tucuman Parrot, Montane-forest Screech-Owl, Wedge-tailed Hillstar, Blue-capped Puffleg, Slender-tailed Woodstar, Red-tailed Comet, Citron-headed Yellow-Finch, Yellow-striped Brush-Finch (endemic), Tucuman Mountain-Finch, Black-and-chestnut Warbling-Finch, Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager and many more.

Other species present in the area, with relatively big distribution ranges but usually scarce everywhere, include Montane Solitary Eagle, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Orange-breasted Falcon, Buff-fronted Owl and Lyre-tailed Nightjar, among others.

The Puna and high Andes ecoregions, although can be challenging for the high altitude conditions, are home to some of the most attractive species in the region: Puna Rhea, 3 kinds of flamingos (including Andean and James’s), Horned Coot, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Rufous-webbed Tyrant, Red-backed Sierra-Finch, Short-tailed Finch, and more.

Along with all this, north west Argentina hosts some of the most beautiful sceneries in South America and a strong cultural tradition, as well as one of the best cuisines and wineries in the country.