Argentina Endemics
Monte Desert & Patagonian Steppe

Monte Desert Endemics birding is a private adventure into Argentina’s unique Monte Desert ecosystem—a biodiversity hotspot, home to striking endemic bird species like Sandy Gallito and White-throated Cacholote. Departing from Puerto Madryn, we venture into a captivating landscape of creosote shrubs, canyons and salt flats to seek Patagonia’s rarest birdlife.

Spring and summer months (September – March) are ideal for this tour, offering mild weather, peak bird activity, and vibrant Patagonian landscapes perfect for bird photography and nature walks.

Target Birds & Highlights

Early morning finds us traversing the Patagonian steppe, where we may encounter Elegant Crested‑Tinamou, Darwin’s Nothura, Lesser Rhea (Choique) and the shy Rusty‑backed Monjita. Among the thorny scrub, highlights include endemic Patagonian Canastero, Carbonated Sierra‑Finch with its dazzling aerial display, and the secretive Steinbach’s Canastero.

As we journey further into the Monte’s sandy terrain, our primary target—the swift and elusive Sandy Gallito—may dash into view, running like a local roadrunner among bushes. The area’s remarkable avifauna also includes Band‑tailed Earthcreeper, Black‑crowned Monjita, Lesser Shrike‑Tyrant, and the beautifully marked White‑banded Mockingbird. With patience, we might spot ground specialists like the cryptic Least Seedsnipe or the graceful Tawny‑throated Dotterel.

Other targets we often seek include Chubut (White‑headed) Steamer‑duck, Bay‑capped Wren‑Spinetail, Burrowing Parakeet, Straneck’s Tyrannulet, Snowy Sheathbill, White‑tipped Plantcutter, Patagonian Yellow‑finch, Greater Wagtail‑Tyrant and the unique Black‑headed Duck.

When it’s time to refuel we’ll spread a relaxed field picnic—perhaps on a cliff above the Atlantic, in a hidden Monte canyon, on the clear‑water banks of the Chubut River, or beside a brackish lagoon where Chilean Flamingos and Silvery Grebes feed. Guanacos, Patagonian Maras, cavies, foxes and armadillos are frequent, adding a true wilderness backdrop.

This itinerary is fully customizable from a half‑day introduction up to multi‑day expeditions, allowing us to comprehensively explore and maximize sightings of Patagonia’s remarkable endemic birdlife. Ideal for keen birders, wildlife photographers, or anyone eager to dive deep into the region. Reach remote areas while chasing special targets and add optional cultural stops – e.g. the MEF Museum in Trelew, home to fossils of giants like Patagotitan mayorum and the fearsome Patagonian “Terror Birds” (Phorusrhacids).