Isla de las Gaviotas, Montevideo facts for kids

Isla de las Gaviotas as seen from the Rambla of Montevideo.

Seagulls Island (also known as Isla de las Gaviotas in Spanish) is a tiny island in the Río de la Plata. It's located very close to the coast of Montevideo, Uruguay, only about 300 meters away from the shore.

This small island is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, which means observing birds in their natural home. Many different kinds of birds visit or live on Seagulls Island, making it a lively place for nature lovers.

Birds of Seagulls Island

Seagulls Island is a special home for many bird species. Here are some of the birds you might spot there:

• Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis): These white birds are often seen near cattle, eating insects that the animals stir up.
• Great Egret (Casmerodius albus): A large, elegant white heron with a long, S-shaped neck.
• Rock Dove (Columba livia): Also known as the common pigeon, these birds are found all over the world.
• Snowy Egret (Egretta thula): A medium-sized white heron with black legs and bright yellow feet.
• Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens): A large seabird known for its long, forked tail and the male's bright red throat pouch.
• Red-gartered Coot (Fulica armillata): A water bird with a dark body and a distinctive red band on its leg.
• American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus): A striking shorebird with a black head, brown body, and a long, bright orange bill.
• Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus): A common large gull found in coastal areas, often seen near fishing boats.
• Brown-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus maculipennis): A smaller gull with a dark brown head during breeding season.
• Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax): A stocky heron that hunts mostly at night.
• Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum): A diving bird that catches fish underwater.
• Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus): A colorful bird with a yellow belly and a loud call, often found near water.
• Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana): A sleek bird with a very long, forked tail.
• Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus): A very large seabird known for its impressive wingspan.

See also

In Spanish: Isla de las Gaviotas (Uruguay) para niños