---
title: Alicanto
description: A fantastic bird that feeds on precious metals.
author:
  name: Graciela Paula Caldeiro
  url: http://graciela-caldeiro.idoneos.com
canonical: https://mitosyleyendas.idoneos.com/en/bestiario_mitologico/alicanto/
source: en/bestiario_mitologico/alicanto/index.md
---

<h2 id="alicanto">Alicanto</h2>

This is a bird from South American mythology (Chile). This bird, of great size, moves at high speed in the direction of the coast. The Alicanto sleeps on rocks with its wings spread out. It lays eggs of gold and silver.

If someone manages to catch this bird while it sleeps, it will guide them to secret gold deposits. However, if the bird were to wake while the hunter attempts this feat, a devastating bolt of lightning will blind the adventurer for life.

According to other versions, it is a nocturnal bird that eats precious metals and, due to the weight of its crop, cannot fly. When its main food is gold, its wings radiate a golden light; when it is silver, it projects a silvery luminosity.

If the alicanto is heading toward a deposit of gold or silver, one must follow it very carefully, because if it notices it is being watched, it will choose a false path in order to confuse the seekers of precious metals.