With more than 700 recorded bird species, Paraguay offers remarkable opportunities for birdwatching, yet its biodiversity remains relatively unknown among international travellers. For visitors staying in Asunción, however, discovering the country’s birdlife can begin surprisingly close to Paraguay’s capital: This is all you need to know about birdwatching near Ascunión.
Paraguay’s combination of Atlantic Forest, Chaco landscapes and wetlands along the Paraguay River creates habitats for an impressive variety of resident and migratory species. Several protected areas around Asunción provide accessible opportunities to experience this diversity without travelling far from the city.
A capital surrounded by nature
Located along the Paraguay River, Asunción is closely connected to wetlands, forests and riverside ecosystems. Among the most important nearby sites is the Banco San Miguel and Asunción Bay Ecological Reserve, a protected wetland near the Costanera Norte waterfront.
The reserve provides habitat for herons, ibises, ducks, southern screamers, kingfishers, southern lapwings and roseate spoonbills. Its location along continental migration routes also makes it an important stop for migratory birds. Between August and February, visitors may spot species such as the Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis), considered globally near threatened.
Another accessible option is the Asunción Botanical Garden and Zoo. Its wooded areas attract woodpeckers, tanagers, woodcreepers, parrots, parakeets and other forest species, making it a convenient introduction to birdwatching within the capital.
Beyond the capital
For those willing to venture farther, Paraguay offers even greater variety. The Lower Chaco, near Villa Hayes and Benjamín Aceval, features wetlands, marshes and grasslands. Visitors can observe storks, jabirus, anhingas, birds of prey and numerous aquatic species. Travelling deeper into the Western Region provides access to more remote Chaco environments.
Approximately an hour and a half from Asunción, Mbatoví Eco Reserve in Paraguarí offers a contrasting experience within the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest ecosystem. Its forest trails provide opportunities to observe woodland birds while combining birdwatching with hiking, nature and photography.
A country of remarkable diversity
Among Paraguay’s most sought-after birds are toucans, southern screamers, jabirus, roseate spoonbills, kingfishers, guira cuckoos, parrots and parakeets. The country’s different ecosystems also allow experienced birdwatchers to encounter species associated with both the Chaco and Atlantic Forest.
Migratory birds add another dimension, with species travelling thousands of kilometres from the Northern Hemisphere and using Paraguayan wetlands as feeding and resting grounds.
Birds also play an important role beyond nature tourism: at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, trained birds of prey are used in falconry to deter species that can pose risks to aircraft, combining wildlife management with aviation safety.
Getting started requires little more than binoculars and a bird guide or apps such as Merlin Bird ID and eBird. Early mornings are generally the best time for observation, when birds are most active. Water, sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing are also essential for outdoor excursions.
An emerging opportunity
Paraguay remains outside many of South America’s established birdwatching circuits, but that also presents an opportunity. Its biodiversity and varied ecosystems make it an attractive destination for nature lovers. Its accessible natural areas also appeal to travellers interested in sustainable tourism.
For visitors to Asunción, birdwatching offers another way to experience the country, one that begins on the edge of the capital and extends into some of Paraguay’s most distinctive landscapes.
