BIRDS OF URUGUAY
A natural part of the landscape—in cities, along the coast, in rural areas, and beside rivers and streams.
More than 450 bird species have been recorded across the country, making Uruguay an appealing destination both for ecotourism and for those who consider environmental quality when choosing a place to live.
This article was prepared by ornithologists at Uruguay Smart Estate.
Winged Diversity
Winged Diversity
There are several theories about the origin of the name Uruguay, and one of the most widely known is linked to the Guaraní language. According to this interpretation, the name can be translated as “river of birds” or “river where birds live” (urú meaning bird, gua meaning place, and y meaning water).
Even if this is not the only explanation, it reflects the country’s geographic reality remarkably well—a landscape shaped by numerous rivers, lagoons, and wetlands that attract a wide variety of bird species.
Flamingos regularly appear in salty lagoons, seabirds inhabit the Atlantic coast and the Río de la Plata estuary, and birds of prey—such as caracaras, hawks, and falcons—can be observed over the plains.
Importantly, many of these species live outside protected areas and can be easily observed without specialized infrastructure, indicating a generally healthy state of local ecosystems.
Even if this is not the only explanation, it reflects the country’s geographic reality remarkably well—a landscape shaped by numerous rivers, lagoons, and wetlands that attract a wide variety of bird species.
Flamingos regularly appear in salty lagoons, seabirds inhabit the Atlantic coast and the Río de la Plata estuary, and birds of prey—such as caracaras, hawks, and falcons—can be observed over the plains.
Importantly, many of these species live outside protected areas and can be easily observed without specialized infrastructure, indicating a generally healthy state of local ecosystems.
Left: Great Kiskadee. Right: Cardinal.
The Tero is one of Uruguay’s symbols
The Tero is one of Uruguay’s symbols
It is a bird with a loud, piercing call, known for its bold and highly territorial behavior. The tero often lives close to people, actively defends its nest, and will readily “attack” anyone it considers too close. In Uruguay, the tero is seen as a symbol of vigilance, character, and independence.
It is no coincidence that Los Teros (“The Teros”) is the nickname of Uruguay’s national rugby team. The bird was chosen to reflect the team’s style: resilience, collective defense, and a willingness to take on stronger opponents.
It is no coincidence that Los Teros (“The Teros”) is the nickname of Uruguay’s national rugby team. The bird was chosen to reflect the team’s style: resilience, collective defense, and a willingness to take on stronger opponents.
Left: Tero. Right: Los Teros logo. Photo source: Uruguayan Rugby Union website.
A Paradise for Birdwatchers
A Paradise for Birdwatchers
Uruguay is a popular, though often underrated, destination for birdwatching. Many species here are easy to observe without specialized equipment, live close to cities and rural roads, and show little fear of humans. Birdwatching can take place almost anywhere: on the beach, in a Montevideo park, or on a farm in the countryside.
A high share of renewable energy, relatively low pressure on natural areas, and the absence of heavy industrialization create conditions in which biodiversity is preserved without strict separation from human activity.
A high share of renewable energy, relatively low pressure on natural areas, and the absence of heavy industrialization create conditions in which biodiversity is preserved without strict separation from human activity.
Полезные ссылки
Полезные ссылки
BirdNET (by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
A free app for identifying birds by their songs and calls.
Uruguay Red List (Spanish, with illustrations)
An illustrated Red Book of Uruguay’s bird species.
A free app for identifying birds by their songs and calls.
Uruguay Red List (Spanish, with illustrations)
An illustrated Red Book of Uruguay’s bird species.