Uruguay is located in South America, nestled between Argentina and Brazil, with the Atlantic Ocean bordering it on the southeast side. Uruguay has a land area of around 176,215 square miles, making it the second smallest country in South America. Uruguay spans 50 miles from north to south and about 300 miles from west to east. Uruguay has many rivers, but one of the main ones is the Uruguay River, which is 990 miles long, runs down the western border of Uruguay and the eastern border of Argentina and ends in the Río de la Plata. Another big river in Uruguay is the Negro River, which is 497 miles long and runs horizontally through the middle of Uruguay. Uruguay consists of primarily flat, rolling plains. The Pampas is a region of relatively flat plains that takes up western Uruguay, and eastern Argentina. Hills in Uruguay merge into the Parana plateau, which forms part of the Brazilian highlands. Uruguay has an average elevation of 383 feet. Mount Catedral, which rises to 1,685 feet near the southeastern coast, is the highest point in the country. There are also tidal lakes and sand dunes along the coastline of Uruguay. Uruguay has a generally pleasant, temperate climate. The average temperature for the midwinter month of July varies from 54 °F to 50 °F, and frost is almost unknown along the coast. Uruguay has neither a decidedly dry nor a rainy season. The heaviest precipitation occurs during March and April. Only a small percentage of Uruguay is forested, most of the trees growing in narrow stretches along watercourses. The principal species are ombu, a scrubby treelike plant, and alder. Others include willow, eucalyptus, pine, poplar, acacia, and aloe. Common smaller plants include mimosa, myrtle, rosemary, and scarlet-flowered ceibo. Animals native to Uruguay have largely disappeared, although pumas and jaguars are still occasionally found in remote areas. Other native mammals include foxes, deer, wildcats, armadillos, and several types of rodents, including huge capybaras. Venomous spiders are common. Birdlife includes tiny burrowing owls, crows, lapwings, partridges, quails, hummingbirds, and cardinals. There are many Parakeets in the hills, and the lagoons swarm with waterfowl, including white herons, cranes, and flamingos. Lizards, tortoises, and venomous snakes are found in many areas. A network of national parks and a wildlife reserve are dedicated to the preservation of animal and bird populations. Over all, although Uruguay is a small country in comparison to others, it is a diverse country with many different species of plants and animals.