Where to See Magellanic Woodpecker in Los Alerces National Park
Seek the spectacular Magellanic woodpecker in the ancient alerce forests of Los Alerces National Park, where South America's largest woodpecker drums thunderously on towering trees in one of Patagonia's most pristine wilderness areas.
Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Chubut province, protects some of the last remaining stands of alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides) — ancient conifers that can live over 3,000 years. These primeval forests are also home to the Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), the largest woodpecker in South America and one of the most sought-after birds in Patagonia. With their striking crimson crest (males) and dramatic black plumage, these crow-sized woodpeckers are an unforgettable sight and sound as they hammer on dead trees searching for beetle larvae. The park's well-maintained trail system and scenic drives provide excellent access to prime woodpecker habitat.
Best Time to See
Year-round (most vocal and visible September-December during breeding season)
Where to See Them
Sendero Alerzal Milenario (Millennial Alerce Trail)
Very LikelyBest Time: September-December
Access: Access by boat across Lago Menéndez, then a short hike. Drive your rental car to Puerto Chucao to catch the boat. Advance booking recommended.
The ancient alerce forest is prime Magellanic woodpecker habitat. Listen for loud drumming and the distinctive laughing call. Walk slowly and scan dead trees.
Sendero Lago Rivadavia (lakeside trail)
LikelyBest Time: Year-round
Access: Trailhead accessible by car from RN71 within the park. Park at the Lago Rivadavia campground or picnic area.
An easy lakeside walk through mixed forest. Listen for drumming in the lenga and coihue forest. Morning visits are best.
Villa Futalaufquen area forest trails
LikelyBest Time: Year-round
Access: The small settlement within the park is on RN71, easily reached by rental car. Several short trails depart from near the visitor center.
The forests around Villa Futalaufquen are mature enough to support woodpeckers. Check for rectangular feeding holes on dead trees as signs of recent activity.
RN71 roadside forest stops
PossibleBest Time: Year-round
Access: Drive through the park on RN71. Multiple pullover spots along the road where forest comes close to the pavement.
Stop regularly and listen. Magellanic woodpeckers can sometimes be heard or seen from the roadside, especially in quiet early-morning conditions.
Animal Behavior
Magellanic woodpeckers are typically found in pairs or family groups of 3-4 birds. They excavate large rectangular holes in dead or dying trees to access beetle larvae, their primary food. Their drumming is extraordinarily loud and can be heard hundreds of meters away. Males have an entirely crimson head and crest, while females have a black head with a slight forward-curving crest. They are not particularly shy and may allow relatively close approach if you move slowly and quietly. Their distinctive laughing call, a series of loud nasal notes, often reveals their presence before they are seen.
Photography Tips
- 1Use a 300-500mm telephoto lens as woodpeckers may be high in the canopy. Image stabilization is essential in dim forest light.
- 2Set ISO high (800-3200) and use a wide aperture for the often dark forest interior conditions.
- 3Listen for drumming to locate birds, then approach slowly. They often tolerate a patient photographer at 15-20 meters.
- 4The crimson head of the male provides stunning contrast against the forest green — look for clear backgrounds.
- 5Video can be even more rewarding than stills, capturing their dramatic drumming behavior and unique calls.
Conservation
The Magellanic woodpecker is classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, though it depends on mature and old-growth forest habitat that is increasingly fragmented. Los Alerces National Park, with its UNESCO status and strict protection of ancient forests, is a critical stronghold for the species. Logging of native forests outside protected areas remains the primary threat. The bird serves as an important indicator species for forest health.
Viewing Regulations
- Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile forest floor and root systems of ancient trees.
- Do not play recorded woodpecker calls to attract birds. This is stressful and can interfere with breeding.
- Maintain a respectful distance if woodpeckers are nesting. Do not approach nest cavities.
- No fires are permitted except in designated areas within the park.
- Camping is restricted to designated campgrounds. Book in advance during summer.
Self-Drive Wildlife Tour
A rental car is the best way to explore Los Alerces National Park. RN71 runs through the park for about 40 km, providing access to all major trailheads and viewpoints. The park is located 50 km west of Esquel, an easy drive on paved road. Within the park, the road passes through excellent woodpecker habitat, and having your own vehicle lets you stop whenever you hear drumming or see movement in the canopy. The park road is paved and suitable for any rental car.
Self-Drive Wildlife TourFrequently Asked Questions
How likely am I to see a Magellanic woodpecker?
With patience and early morning visits, sightings are fairly common in Los Alerces. Listen for their drumming and distinctive call to locate them.
What does a Magellanic woodpecker look like?
About the size of a crow, with entirely black plumage and a vivid crimson head and crest in males. Females have a black head. Both show white wing patches in flight.
What is the best time of day to find them?
Early morning is best when they are most active and vocal. They also have an activity period in late afternoon.
Can I see the ancient alerce trees and woodpeckers on the same trip?
Yes, the Alerzal Milenario trail is one of the best spots for both the 3,000-year-old alerces and Magellanic woodpeckers.
What other birds can I see in Los Alerces?
Austral parakeets, thorn-tailed rayadito, Chilean flicker, and various raptors including the rufous-tailed hawk.
How do I get to Los Alerces from Esquel?
Drive 50 km west from Esquel on RN71. The road is paved and the drive takes about 45 minutes to the park entrance.