Brazil Atlantic Forest
Brazil Atlantic Forest:

The Brazil Atlantic Forest offers several good routes from a thorough
fourteen day trip and several affordable birding trip routes (in the 8
to 12 day range).  Lodging here is often a pretty good value with a
few exceptions.

We have two very skilled guides able to lead trips in the area.  Lelis
Navarrete is widely recognized as the best bird guide in South
America, and he leads 3 to 4 Brazil trips each year.  Bruno Lima is a
bird guide and ornithologists who studies birds in the Atlantic Forest
as either a scientist or bird guide every day of the week.

We are offering a number of trips to the Atlantic Forest in the next
few years.  Our Scheduled Brazil Trips are summarized below.  Some
of these trips include Atlantic Forest locations and some trips are
entirely focused on Atlantic Forest birds.  Please note that we also
develop several custom trips to the Atlantic Forest each year, and
some of these groups want a few more friendly birders to join their
trip.

See more details on location and route descriptions to the right and
below the list of scheduled trips.
Itatiaia National Park:  

It is worth birding here for three to four days.  Most trips
inlclude three full days in the Itatiaia National Park with
adequate time to visit and bird many different elevations
and areas in the park.  The array of Atlantic forest
specialties include :  the easy to find Dusky-legged Guan,
Mantled Hawk, Red-and-White Crake, Slaty-breasted
Wood-Rail, Reddish-bellied Parakeet, Red-capped Parrot,
Tawny-browed Owl, Planalto Hermit, Rufous-capped
Motmot, Surucua Trogon, Spot-billeded Toucanet,
Channel-billed Toucan, Red-breasted Toucan,
White-barred Piculet, Blond-crested Woodpecker,
Plain-winged, White-throated, Lesser, and Scaled
Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-capped
Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, White-collared, White-browed,
Buff-browed, Black-cappped, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser,
the handsome White-bearded Antshrike, Spot-breasted
Antvireo, Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird,
Streak-capped Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye,
White-bibbed Antbird, Cryptic Anttrush, Varigated Antpitta,
Rufous Gnateater, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Eared
Pygmy-Tyrant, Drab-breasted Baboo Tyrant, Yellow-lored
Tody-Flycatcher, Blue-billed Black Tyrant, Blue Manakin,
the odd looking Brown, Ruby-crowned, Black-goggled,
Green-headed, Gilt-edged, and Rufous-headed Tanager.

One of the days staying in the Itatiaia National Park we will
visit the Agulhas Negras Highlands which will allow us to
visit an area that otherwise can not be accessed from the
Hotels inside the Park, some the highlights of the day will
be the Black-brested Plovercrest, White-spotted
Woodpecker, Itatiaia Spinetail (Thistletail), Rufous-browed
Foliage-Gleaner, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Rufous-backed
Antivireo, Speckle-breasted Antipitta, Giant, Large-tailed
and Variable Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antthrush,
Rufous-tailed Antbird, Mouse-colored Tapaculo,
Serra-do-mar Tyrannulet, Brown-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant,
Greenish Tyrannulet, Velvety-black Tyrant, Shear-tailed
Gray-Tyrant, Black-and-gold Cotinga,  Swallow-tailed
Cotinga, Black-capped  Piprites, Rufous-crowned Greenlet,
Diademed Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Uniform
Finch, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Red-rumped
Warbling-finch, White-browed Warbler and Golden-winged
Cacique.

Another full day in the Itatiaia National Park will be spent
visiting the lower part near the Simon Hotel.  This area
provides a good opportunity to be looking for:
Slaty-breasted Wood-rail, Scale-throated Hermit, Frilled
Coquette, Surucua Trogon, Red-breasted Toucan, Scaled
and Lesser Woodcreeper, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid
Spinetail, White-bearded Antshrike, Ochre-rumped Antbird,
Streak-capped Antwren, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Eared
Pygmy-tyrant the rare Fork-tailed Tody-tyrant,
Drab-breasted Bamboo-tyrant, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow,
Bare-throated Bellbird, Greenish Schiffornis, Brown
Tanager, Uniform Finch and Green-winged Saltator.

The lodge, at which you will be staying, is one of our
customers favourites.  The feeders are really worth
watching when not at the National Park.  The feeders often
have Saffron Toucanets nearly sitting in your lap, and our
filled with numerous other species.  To top of a long day of
birding and the meals, the dessert offerings often include a
choice of nearly 20 desserts.

Besides this being Lelis' favourite location to bird from in
the Atlantic Forest, birding to and from this location can
also be productive.

Birding between Novo Friburogo and Serra dos
Orgaoes National Park:

Depending on your departure point, birding to or from
Serra dos Orgaoes National Park (Teresopolis is where we
stay) can also be terrific.  Between Nova Friburgo and
Teresopolis, the group can aim to reach elevations
exceeding 6000 feet.  A number of roads are sometimes
available(depending on the weather and road conditions),
that will give access to habitat with Bay-chested Warbling
Finch, Diademed Tanager, Blue-billed Black Tyrant and
Rufous-tailed Antbird.  These trips are specially designed
to look for the ultra-rare and endemic Grey-winged Cotinga
and other terrific species such as Serra do Mar Tyrannulet,
Black and Gold Cotinga, Brazilian Antthrush and
Mouse-colored Tapaculo.

On a second day, the group can leave Teresopolis early
and once again travel toward Nova Friburgo,  but this time
we will aim for the small villages of Sumidouro and Carmo.
Our target bird species will be Three-toed Jacamar, along
with Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Planalto
Hermit, White-eared Puffbird, White Woodpecker,
Tail-banded Hornero, Red-eyed Thornbird (the
erythropthalmus subspecies), Ochre-faced
Tody-Flycatcher, Gray and White-rumped Monjita,
Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tyrant,
White-rumped and Tawny-headed Swallow, Long-billed
Wren, Curl-crested Jay, Hooded Tanager, Brazilian
Tanager, and Gilt-edged Tanager.

Serra dos Orgáos National Park:

This will be a full day birding activity in the Serra dos
Orgáos National Park with a midday brake for lunch and
some rest in the town of Teresopolis (which is so
conveniently close to the park that the visit only implies a
mere 10 minutes drive).   Some of the specialties we will be
looking for include: Brown Tinamou, Spot-winged Wood
Quail, Dusky-throated Hermit, Planalto Hermit,
Yellow-eared Woodpecker, White-throated Woodcreeper,
Black-billed Scythebill, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Giant
Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Start-throated
Antwren, White shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous-tailed
Antthrush, Rufous Gnateater, Gray-capped Tyrannulet,
Gray-hooded Flycatcher,  Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Hooded
Berry-eater, Sharpbill, Pale-browed Treehunter,
Swallow-tailed and Pin-tailed Manakins.  

Another early or full morning is usually justified here based
upon birding productivity the day before and pace of trip.
Scheduled Trips to Brazil
with a focus on the Atlantic
Forest in 2010 and 2011:
October 29 to November 6, 2010:  Atlantic Forest Brazil with
Lelis Navarrete for a few days then Bruno Lima.  Hosted by Stennie
Meadours (former President of Houston Audubon).  Exceptional
birding value trip including with 7 nights and 8 Days birding in Brazil.  
Includes Rio de Janiero to Regua Reserve; the Itatiaia National Park
including the Agulhas Negras Highlands and lower elevations; then
the Ubatuba area including places and trails to Corcovado, Folha
Seca, Sertao das Cotias, and the Fazendas Capricornio and
Andgelim.  Numerous productive extension options.  

February 20 to 28, 2011:  Atlantic Forest Brazil:  Exceptional
Birding Value Trip.  Bruno Lima.  Includes Rio de Janiero to Regua
Reserve; then Itatiaia National Park including the Agulhas Negras
Highlands and lower elevations; then the Ubatuba area including
places and trails to Corcovado, Folha Seca, Sertao das Cotias, and
the Fazendas Capricornio and Andgelim.  Numerous productive
extension options.  

June 18 to 27, 2011:  Atlantic Forest Brazil:  Exceptional Birding
Value Trip with Lelis Navarrete.  Includes Rio de Janiero to Regua
Reserve; then Itatiaia National Park including the Agulhas Negras
Highlands and lower elevations; then the Ubatuba area including
places and trails to Corcovado, Folha Seca, Sertao das Cotias, and
the Fazendas Capricornio and Andgelim.  Numerous productive
extension options.  Exceptional Birding Value Trip.

December 4 to 12, 2011:  Atlantic Forest Brazil  Exceptional
Birding Value Trip with Lelis Navarrete.  Includes Rio de Janiero to
Regua Reserve; then Itatiaia National Park including the Agulhas
Negras Highlands and lower elevations; then the Ubatuba area
including places and trails to Corcovado, Folha Seca, Sertao das
Cotias, and the Fazendas Capricornio and Andgelim.  Numerous
productive extension options.  Exceptional Birding Value Trip.


Extensions from the Atlantic Forest:

More of the Atlantic Forest:  Once in the Rio de Janiero area several
additional good locations are possible.  Also Fazenda Intervales in
Southern Sao Paolo State is excellent and makes for an easy
departure form Sao Paolo (often reducing airline costs).  Most of
these options are described to the left.

Iguassu Falls and into Argentina for 2 or 3 days of birding and
enjoying this beautiful area.  

Pantanal:  The Pantanal is worth 3 to 6 days of birding and wildlife
watching from April to November.

Rio Cristalino:  Open year round, but best for birding from April to
November.

We have develped three custom trips to the Atlantic Forest in the
last year.  We always seem to be developing another one every 2 to
4 months.  Some of these trips are looking for additional
participants.  Please call Charles at 720-320-1974 for more
information here.

Arrival Options:

In most situations, flying into Rio de Janiero makes
the most sense.  You can get to birding right
outside the city, and you can reach birding
destinations in 1 hour (Regua Reserve) or 3 to 4
hours (Doo Ype).   Most flights get into Rio de
Janiero in the morning between 8 AM to 10 AM.

Sao Paolo sometimes makes sense for a birding
trip start. This is the third largest city in the world.  
Travelling through Sao Paolo from the airport
takes another 3 hours in most situations.

Some trips will start in Rio de Janiero and fly out of
Sao Paolo.

Please contact us to be clear about the best flight
arrangement for your trip itinerary.
Regua Reserve and Restinga Habitat:

Regua Reserve makes for a great destination at some point during most Atlantic Forest trips.  
It is close to Rio de Janiero (45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending upon the birding along the
way and traffic).  

A number of Atlantic forest endemics can be found there, including: Reddish-bellied Parakeet,
Plain Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Spot-Backed Antshrike, Spot-
breasted Antvireo, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Yellow-
lored Tody Flycatcher, Gray-hooded Attila, Rufous-headed, Ruby-crowned, Brazilian, Golden-
chevroned, Green-headed and Red necked Tanagers, Violaceous and Chestnut-bellied
Euphonias and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Other specialties to look for there include Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Brown-backed Parrotlet,
Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Black-capped (Variable) Screech Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Rufous-
capped Motmot, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Southern Antpipit, Russet-winged Spadebill, Atlantic
Laniisoma and Violaceous Euphonia.

At some point and early morning start (or sometimes tied well with an airport departure or
arrival), would be a visit to the Restinga habitat with access between Regua and the Rio de
Janeiro airport.  This spot is on the coast north of Rio.  Some of the target species here
include the rare and endemic Restinga Antwren and other species such as Sooretama Slaty-
Antshrike and Hangnest Tody-Tyrant.

Birding from Uba Tuba:

On many Atlantic Forest trips, travelling to the Brazillian cost north of Rio de Janiero is
worthwhile for 2 to 3 days of birding.  The comfort of the Ubatuba Hotel is an excellent center
of operations for several areas within a very short driving distance.

These places will include the trail to Corcovado, Folha Seca, Sertao das Cotias, and the
Fazendas Capricornio and Andgelim.  

Some of the birds we will be looking for, are a handful of endangered species that only can be
seen in the remnants of forest of the lowlands in the Atlantic Forest, this species include:
Tataupa Tinamou, Tawny-browed Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette,
Sombre Hummingbird, Ochre-collared Piculet, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Blond-crested
Woodpecker, Black-cappped Foliage-Gleaner, Ochre-breasted Foliage-Gleaner, White-eyed
Foliage-Gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Spot-backed Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Star-
throated Antwren, Salvatori's Antwren, Unicolored Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Spotted
Bamboowren, Slaty Bristlefront, Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant, Sao Paulo Tyrannulet , Rusty-winged
Spadebill, Atlantic Royal Flycatcher, Bare-throated Bellbird, Buff-throated Purpletuft, Pin-tailed
Manakin  among others.

Fazenda Intervales State Park in Southern Sao Paolo State

The Fazenda Intervales State Park is one of the great birding sites in the Sao Paulo State.  
The forest and trails, surrounding the lodge facilities, provide excellent opportunities to look
for  Rusty-barred Owl, Buff-fronted Owl, Long-trained Nightjar, Pileated Parrot, Red-eyed
Thornbird (ssp. ferrugineigula), White-breasted Tapaculo, Large-tailed Antshrike,  Swallow-
tailed Cotinga, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow , Black-legged Dacnis,  Azure-shouldered Tanager,
Golden-chevroned Tanager, Olive-green Tanager.

This state park is situated on the Serra do Mar, the 3,000 foot high escarpment that runs
along the coast of southeast Brazil. The park is one of a complex of four adjacent reserves
with a total area of more than 500 square miles.  This area is of great significance as it
protects pristine forest over an altitudinal gradient from coastal to over 3000 feet.  

The park has many opportunities to drive and walk along roads cutting through pristine forest
and many different kinds of habitats.

A second day at the park is worth a full day of birding.  We will spend time exploring some of
the many different areas in Fazenda Intervales, particularly the road heading to Barra Grande
where we will be looking for Solitary Tinamou, Mantled Hawk, Black-fronted Piping-Guan
(endangered), Long-trained Nightjar, Silky-tailed Nightjar, (the rare and local) Blue-bellied
Parrot, Rusty-breasted Nunlet, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron
Antwren, Star-throated Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Squamate Antbird, Such’s Antthrush, Speckle-
breasted Antpitta, White-collared Foliage-Gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Grey-capped
Tyrannulet, Brown-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, “Atlantic" Royal Flycatcher, Oustalet’s
Tyrannulet, Bay-ringed Tyrannulet, Sao Paulo Tyrannulet, Pin-tailed Manakin, Serra do Mar
Tyrant-Manakin, Hooded Berryeater, Cinnamon-vented Piha, Bare-throated Bellbird,
Cinnamon-vented Piha, Brown Tanager, Chestnut-backed Tanager (rare), Buffy-fronted
Seedeater, and Temminck's Seedeater.  

Another morning birding in the area will be worthwhile before heading to Sao Paolo.  We will
start early looking for any species that might have http://www.pibird.com/Brazil2010-1.
htmleluded us before starting our return to Sao Paulo International airport to catch the
international flights back to home.
Photo by Bud Johnson.
Photo by Bud Johnson.
Photo by Bud Johnson.