Most birds, like humans, live in communities or flocks. Their contribution to the ecosystem is essential as they contribute to the pollination of plants, are dispersal agents, biological and pest control.

Uruguay has a great diversity of birds due, among other things, to the fact that it is part of a region where three different biomes interact: the Pampas, the Chaco and the Atlantic Forest, and is also part of the migratory route of birds.

At present, there are more than 1400 species of birds in danger of extinction worldwide and in Uruguay there are about 45. However, some of them are still observed in Uruguay and that is why it is a key site for many visitors. Wandering Albatross, White-bellied Petrel, Southern Flamingo, Black-crowned Gull, Black Woodpecker, Straight-billed Woodpecker, Curved-billed Woodpecker, Black-tailed Tachuri, Great White Widow, Drake, Brown-throated Capuchin and Yellow Cardinal are just a few examples of sightings.

Migratory movements of avifauna are linked to food supply. Migratory birds are able to exploit seasonal food sources, that is, resources that are available only during a certain time of the year. Once that food becomes scarce, they must move to other regions in search of new resources.

Birds use a wide range of mechanisms and cues to orient themselves during their movements. Some species follow different geographical features such as the coasts of continents or the courses of certain rivers. Others orient themselves through the sun (during the day), the stars (at night) or even using patterns derived from terrestrial magnetism (when other signals are not available).

COMMUNICATION

Feathered birds vocalize to communicate. The most common bird voices can be classified into “songs” and “calls”. In general terms, songs are used to defend territory and attract mates. Calls serve different functions, such as maintaining contact between individuals in a flock or alerting to threats or dangers. Some birds enrich their vocal repertoires (songs) by imitating notes of other species or even other sounds unique to the areas where they live. In Uruguay, one of the best known imitator species is the Calandria.

Most birds molt their plumage after the breeding season, usually at the end of summer. There are species with more complex molt patterns, for example those with “two plumages”, one “breeding” and the other “resting”.

REPRODUCTION

The choice of a mate is linked to the mating system characteristic of each species (birds as a group present different systems such as mono and polygamy, among others). In many cases males compete for the attention of females. This competition is usually not “physical” but is manifested through different behaviors such as courtship and singing.

The more than 10,000 species of birds in the world use a wide variety of nesting alternatives. Some do not build nests, but deposit their eggs on the ground or even in the nests of other “host” species. Many birds make very elaborate nests, as is the case of species belonging to the Furnariidae family, among which is the Horned Hornbill. This bird and most of its close relatives make very sophisticated nests using a wide range of materials such as plant fibers, sticks or clay.

TIP

The most favorable times of day for birding are dawn and dusk. In aquatic ecosystems – lagoons, marshes, among others – the times are more flexible and you can usually observe birds all day long. There are also several species that have crepuscular and/or nocturnal habits, such as: sleepyheads, owls and owls.

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Photos: Wild Punta del Este