Highlights of Brazil's Atlantic Forest Jan 31—Feb 09, 2009
Posted by Andrew Whittaker
Andrew Whittaker
Andrew Whittaker's passion for birding and natural history started at the early age of seven in the UK. Since 1982 Andy has worked and studied birds worldwide in C...Related Trips
Intervales State Park without doubt is a true gem and a highlight of any birding trip to the endemic-rich Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. This World Heritage Site protects a vast area of Atlantic rainforest that once again served up one highlight after another, producing—in just one week—over 260 species, of which a staggering 133 were regional and/or Brazilian endemics!
To be based in a comfortable lodge set amidst extensive Atlantic Forest, with great birding just outside our doorstep, was a real treat! And best of all, we were here for a full week, without having to change locations or waste time on travel.
We started with a bang, with a stupendous Blond-crested Woodpecker right outside our rooms. It was a hard act to follow, but nonetheless, it was topped by the endemic Swallow-tailed Cotinga. We were privileged to observe this stunner at close range through the scope, as the adults fed their recently fledged young—what exquisite colors!
As always, highlights were almost too many to count. Tops among them were the outstanding studies of the rarely seen Barred Forest-Falcon. Spellbound, we watched its antics for 10 minutes as it attended a large ant swarm, repeatedly dropping to the ground and chasing fleeing insects. A close second was the rare Black-legged Dacnis on its nest, of which there is still no published description! Antbirds ruled, as evidenced by the stunning, in-our-face views of White-bearded, Tufted, Large-tailed, and Spot-backed antshrikes. However, after some work, a couple of great encounters with the incredible Giant Antshrike, parading around in front of us, stole the antbird show, and provided an unforgettable experience. Dazzling views of a displaying male Squamate Antbird and, of course, those colorful bamboo specialists, Ferruginous, Ochre-rumped, Bertoni's, and Dusky-tailed antbirds, were nearly as memorable.
Vocally, the understory birds won the medals hands down, with number one being the unforgettable voice of a very responsive Slaty Bristlefront that thrilled us by parading around on the forest floor within a few feet of all of us. However, it was followed closely by a very vocal and well-behaved Short-tailed Antthrush.
Particularly noteworthy was our rail show. Tape playback, combined with a fortuitous, newly-cut swath through the cattails, allowed us to entice not one, but three species of wonderful rails into full view! First was the stunning and rarely seen Red-and-white Crake, followed soon after by its more common congener, the Rufous-sided Crake, and last but not least, we hit the rail trifecta with views of the much larger Blackish Rail.
Other memorable moments included stellar views of Solitary Tinamou, Black-throated Piping-Guan, Mantled Hawk, Brazilian Pygmy-Owl, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Rufous-capped Motmot, Variegated Antpitta, White-breasted and Mouse-colored tapaculos, Chestnut-backed Tanager, and Half-collared Sparrow. Night excursions were not as productive as usual; however, we did have a wonderfully responsive pair of Rusty-barred Owls and a Common (Gray) Potoo, as well as multiple Short-tailed (Chestnut-banded) Nighthawks. And I know that nobody will forget that amazing full moon or the duetting Collared Forest-Falcons!
We enjoyed numerous wonderful home cooked meals, sinfully good icy caipirinhas, good wine, and loads of famously friendly Brazilian hospitality and funny stories. All in all, a most congenial group of birders saw a bunch of really special birds, and had great fun in the process! I'm already looking forward to my return to this special place.
Favorite Birds of the Trip (as voted by the group):
1. Barred Forest-Falcon
2. Black-throated Piping-Guan
3. Giant Antshrike
4. Brazilian Pygmy-Owl
5. Swallow-tailed Cotinga