Coastal Range and Mediterranean Forest
To the west of the Central Valley rises a mountain range separating this valley from the coast. This is the Coastal Range, with some peaks reaching 2000 mts. (6500 ft.) and higher. These mountains are covered by a dense perennial, Mediterranean type forest dominated by sclerophytic tree species such as Boldo (Peumus boldus), Peumo (Cryptocaria alba), Litre (Lithraea caustica), Quillay (Quillaja saponaria) and others, home to a wide variety of animals, including many forest-dwelling birds. As altitude decreases, we find a landscape formed mainly by shrubby steppe or Espinal, in which the thorny Espino (Acacia caven) is the dominant plant. This and other shrub and grass species support a dynamic food chain, giving shelter and life to a rich community of insects, reptiles, small mammals and birds, which in time are preyed upon by several birds of prey and carnivorous mammals.
The birds here are a typical sample of Southern South American families, and it is here that most Chilean endemics are found.
Some of the birds: Chilean Tinamou (endemic), Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Bay-winged (Harris´) Hawk, Red-backed Hawk, Chimango Caracara, American Kestrel, Chilean Pigeon (endemic), Eared Dove, Picui Ground Dove, Magellanic Horned Owl, Rufous-legged Owl, Austral Pygmy Owl, Band-winged Nightjar, Green-Backed Firecrown, Giant Hummingbird, Striped Woodpecker, Chilean Flicker, Gray-flanked Cinclodes, Crag Chilia (endemic), Dusky-tailed Canastero (endemic), Des Mur’s Wiretail (endemic), Thorn-tailed Rayadito, White-throated Treerunner, Moustached Turca (endemic), White-throated Tapaculo (endemic), Dusky Tapaculo (endemic), White-crested Elaenia, Tufted Tit Tyrant, Patagonian Tyrant, Fire-eyed Diucon, Great Shrike Tyrant, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Southern Wren, Austral Thrush, Chilean Mockingbird (endemic), Gray-hooded Sierra Finch, Mourning Sierra Finch, Common Diuca Finch, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Austral Blackbird and Black-chinned Siskin, are all present within this area.
Chilean Mockingbird |
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Dusky-tailed Canastero |
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Moustached Turca |
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Rufous-tailed Plantcutter |
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Thorn-tailed Rayadito |
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Tufted Tit-Tyrant |
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