This is the latest in Martin Eayrs’s series on birding in Argentina. Previous installments include Buenos Aires City, Bañado La Estrella in Formosa, and Parque Nimez in Patagonia.

Nestled in the heart of northeastern Argentina’s Corrientes Province, the Iberá Wetlands –or Esteros del Iberá– form one of South America’s largest and most pristine freshwater ecosystems. Spanning more than 13,000 square kilometres, this vast natural reserve is a breathtaking mosaic of lakes, marshes, lagoons, floating islands, and subtropical grasslands.

The word “Iberá” comes from the Guaraní language and means “shining waters”. The wetlands are part of a protected area that includes both the Iberá Provincial Reserve and the Iberá National Park, which together are vital sanctuaries for wildlife and offer sustainable ecotourism opportunities. The area is currently home to a number of rewilding activities.

For birders, the Iberá Wetlands are nothing short of magical. With more than 350 recorded bird species, it is one of the premier birdwatching destinations in all the Americas. The region’s diverse habitats provide ideal conditions for a wide range of birds — from delicate grassland songbirds to dramatic wetland waders and charismatic macaws. The wetlands are also an important stopover and breeding ground for many migratory species from North and South America.

Among the most prized birds that visitors can hope to see are the Black-and-White Monjita (Heteroxolmis dominicana), the only species in the genus Heteroxolmis; the Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), a rare and endangered species with a beautiful song and striking plumage; the Strange-tailed Tyrant (Alectrurus risora), a unique species of the grasslands, with a peculiar long tail that trails behind in flight; the Green-winged Macaw (Ara........

© Buenos Aires Herald