Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Great Xenops |
 Goulds Toucanet |
 Lears Macaw |
|
 Pygmy Nightjar |
 Alagoas Antwren |
 Araripe Manakin |
|
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE TRIP
We had often contemplated a trip to see the special birds of NE Brazil but were always a bit concerned by the prospect of driving huge distances on poorly signposted ( many not signposted at all ) and badly maintained roads often in the middle of nowhere. Further, some of the sites are accessed using tracks through sugar cane plantations which would be impossible to find without precise directions over which track to follow.
However in Ciro Albano we found a local biologist and part time guide who knew the area well who put together a 10 day itinerary that gave access to all the important species and so the trip was on. Our route took us from Fortaleza - Serra de Baturite – Chapada do Araripe – Murici - Engenhero Cachoeira Linda. We travelled some 3500 kilometres in the process.
We saw around 250 species including many of the important endemics, Lears Macaw, Grey-breasted, Caatinga and Jandaya Parakeets, Araripe Manakin, Great Xenops, Alagoas Antwren, Alagoas Tyrannulet, Seven-coloured Tanager and many others. We missed a few; White-browed Guan and Alagoas Foliage-gleaner ( both extremely difficult), White-collared Kite ( could not access the site in the wet conditions) and others such as Plain Parakeet, Golden-tailed Parrotlet and Pinto’s Spinetail which just refused to respond in any of the locations we tried.
There are a couple of considerations when planning a trip to NE Brazil;
• When it’s the wet season ( good for birds) in Baturite and Chapada do Araripe it is the dry season ( not good for birds ) in Murici and vice versa. For example, for us travelling in June, Chapada do Araripe was very quiet which cost us the Bellbird but on the other hand Murici was very active. There again the White-collared Kite site at Engenhero Cachoeira Linda was too wet and proved inaccessible. November – February may be the best time.
• The area is vast and requires long drives through deserted countryside.
• Roads in NE Brazil are very poorly signposted.To access the Bananeira Forest (aka Murici) you need to drive 1.5-2 hours on dreadful tracks through sugar cane plantations where you will need not only a 4WD (even in the dry season) but also a detailed plan of which turnings to take otherwise you will get lost. The same caveat applies to Engenhero Cachoeira Linda.
We had a great time and this trip report tries to provide information that will be of use to future birders as well as a log of what we saw and where we saw it. It does this under the following headings
• Site Information and Accomodation
• Guide
• Daily Account
• Bird Species List
SITE INFORMATION AND ACCOMMODATION
Serra do Baturite
Located 2 hours south of the city of Fortaleza, Serra do Baturite is a Caatinga moist forest enclave (regionally called "brejos") being a well-defined patch of Atlantic Forest surrounded by the Caatinga dry forest of northeast Brazil. Forest covers the windward slopes and plateaus between 600 and 800 m elevation. The main type of vegetation is Atlantic semi-deciduous forest currently less than four percent of the original forest from NE Brazil remains. Habitats of transition between Atlantic forest, Caatinga dry forest and Cerrado vegetation are also found. One of 4 major plateaus in NE Brazil, Serra de Baturite contains a number of sub-species that, because of their isolation from the original populations, show significantly different characteristics that may merit full species status. Important species here include Rufous (Caatinga) Gnateater, Grey-breasted Parakeet, , Gould’s Toucanet, White-throated Spadebill, Ochraceous Piculet,. Band-tailed Manakin, Buff-breasted Tody Tyrant, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Short-tailed Antthrush and Rufous-breasted Leaftosser.
Accommodation in Alto da Serra Hotel.
Chapada do Araripe
The Chapada do Araripe, close to Juazeiro do Norte, forms the boundary of Ceará and Pernambuco states, and forms the watershed between the Jaguaribe River of Ceará, which flows northward into the Atlantic, and the much larger basin of the São Francisco River of Pernambuco and neighbouring states, which drains eastward into the Atlantic. At an altitude of around 800 metres on the plateau the protected Araripe National Forest contains a mixture of cerrado, carrasco, caatinga and low forest criss-crossed by sandy tracks. The area holds a number of important species including White-browed Guan, Bearded Bellbird, Planalto Slaty Antshrike, Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, Great Xenops, Tawny Piculet, Caatinga Antwren, Pale-bellied Tyrant Manakin and, in the degraded land on the edge of the protected forest, Caatinga Barred Antshrike, Lesser Wagtail Tyrant, Grey-eyed Greenlet, Tawny-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Stripe-backed Antbird and Red-shouldered SpinetailCaatinga Barred Antshrike, Lesser Wagtail Tyrant, Grey-eyed Greenlet, Tawny-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Stripe-backed Antbird and Red-shouldered Spinetail. Probably the most important species however is the extraordinary, range restricted Araripe Manakin, first described in 1998 which can only be found along the lush vegetation of underground streams that emerge at the base off the cliffs of the Chapada do Araripe. This birds entire range seems to be a strip of land 60kms long at the base of these cliffs and only on the Ceara side. Most people see this species at the Araja Water Park.
Accommodation in the comfortable, if noisy, Encosta de Serra Hotel in Crato.
Jeremoabo
The small town of Jeremoabo is the base for exploration of the area of Raso da Catarina. one of the most arid zones in Brazil owing to the lack of natural springs and the fact that the rivers frequently run dry. It is a flat area covered with brushwood, including cacti and exotic plants which provide one of the rare sources of water at certain times of the year. This is, one of the last examples of the caatinga biome which used to cover almost all north-east Brazil. In some places there are sandstone formations,canyons, pillars and walls, home of the critically endangered Lears Macaw. Within this area lies the Fazenda de Serra Branca which contains some of the least disturbed caatinga in NE Brazil as well as one of the major roosting sites for the remaining population of Lears Macaw. The macaws roost in cliffs at the fazenda, owned by Sr. Otávio, the owner of the São Lázaro petrol station in Jeremoabo. It also holds many caatinga species and others including ; Lears Macaw, Caatinga and Blue-crowned Parakeet, Blue-fronted Parrot, Red-legged Seriema, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Caatinga Cachalote, Campo Suiriri, Pectoral Antwren and Scarlet–throated Tanager.
Accommodation in the Hotel Senhor de Bonfim in Jeremoabo.
Murici
Murici is a fragment of the Atlantic forest that once covered much of eastern Brazil where, in Alagoas, the forest extended up to100 km inland in a strip known as the Zona da Mata Extensive deforestation has taken place and by 1985, this had left Alagoas with less than 2%of its original vegetation. Even less remains today, and most fragments are on mountain ridges. It is one of only two known sites for two critically endangered species, the Alagoas Foliage-gleaner and the Alagoas Antwren and it hosts a total of 13 globally threatened bird species including Alagoas Foliage-gleaner, Alagoas Antwren, Orange-bellied Antwren, Alagoas Tyrannulet and Seven-coloured Tanager. In 2001 Murici was declared an Ecological Station which, under Brazilian law, should mean a permanently fully protected reserve which should ensure the survival of its many threatened species. The level of actual protection on the ground however appears negligible. Murici is in fact a slight misnomer because the forest is now many kilometres from the town of Murici at a place formerly known as the Fazenda Bananeira. The forested ridge of the main remaining forest fragment is accessed by very bad tracks through many kilometres of sugar cane field and without precise directions you will in all probability get lost.
Accommodation in the Quilombo Park Hotelin nearby Uniao dos Palmares.
Engenhero Cachoeira Linda / Saltinho Ecological Station
These areas are in located close to the beach resort of Tamandare on the southern coast of Pernambuco State. The first is a private area with a small patch of forest inside a Engenho (place where the sugar cane is processed after the cutting). In 2006 local ornithologists from the NGO Observadores de Aves de Pernambuco found a couple of the critically endangered White-collared Kite, which have been sighted on a number of occasions since. The forest fragment is small and thus the chance to find that species is perhaps greater than elsewhere. Once again without detailed information on the turnings to take through the unmarked canefield tracks the site will be difficult to find. 4WD is essential and its probably better to go in the dry season.
Saltinho is an Ecological Station with a good patch of preserved forest,. It is the location for the recently described Pernambuco Pygmy-Owl, but the bird has been seen in the area only once since the original description (that was based in old museum skins). There is only one recording of the bird made by one of the species author . A group of ornithologists of the Pernambuco state are trying to find that species there and in some small fragments around, but without success until now. You will need permission from IBAMA to access the site which is located directly opposite the turn off to Tamandare.
Accommodation - many options in Tamandare.
GUIDE
Our good friend Arthur Grosset ( check out his website of Birds of S America at www.arthurgrosset.com put us in touch with Ciro Albano an English speaking biologist working on research and conservation of the Grey-breasted Parakeet in Baturite. Although Ciro was fairly new to guiding he seemed to have an excellent knowledge of the birds of the area, was responsive in the planning stages and put together a good looking itinerary so we decided to go with him. In the event Ciro knew the sites really well, the hotels were good and he was truly excellent in the field. The last couple of days were scheduled at a site that Ciro had not visited before (we knew this from the outset) and for a variety of reasons this did not work so well but overall we had a very good trip and look forward to the opportunity of travelling with Ciro in future. He can be contacted at ciroalbano@yahoo.com.br
DAILY ACCOUNT
07 June (Day 1)
The trip began in Cuiaba where we stayed overnight at the conclusion of Graeme’s two month period as a volunteer guide at Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Unfortunately this start date coincided with Corpus Christi, an important religious festival in Brazil, and a period of peak travel, particularly by air. Flight from Cuiaba to Brasilia at 05.30am arrived on time but, perhaps unsurprisingly, we were delayed about 3 hours for the flight to Fortaleza. Arrived there around 04.00pm where we were met by our guide Ciro Albano and headed out for the 2 hour drive to the Serra do Baturite and our accommodation at the simple but comfortable Alto da Serra Hotel situated right on the edge of some remnant montane humid forest.
08 June (Day 2)
Began birding at 05.30 from the steps of our chalet and, within 2 hours, having walked only some 300 metres along the track we had seen 30 odd species including Rufous (Caatinga) Gnateater, Grey-headed Spinetail, Gould’s Toucanet, White-throated Spadebill, Ochraceous Piculet and Blond-crested Woodpecker. After breakfast drove the short distance to the large Remanso Hotel de Serra where Ciro negotiated our access with the security staff. Once inside we walked the Trilha do Vale where found more good birds including Band-tailed Manakin, Buff-breasted Tody Tyrant, Short-tailed Antthrush and amazingly obtained views of the secretive Spot-winged Wood Quail. . Returning to our hotel we saw Rufous-sided Crake in the pond at the entrance and Yellow-throated Spinetail. Around 3.00pm we drove the short distance to the extensive grounds of a private house which contains the roosting site of the critically endangered Grey- breasted Parakeet. Having caused Ciro considerable anxiety the birds finally returned to their roost very late around 5.30 but still in time to be seen well. Tried for the highly elusive Buff-fronted Owl which Ciro had heard and recorded some days previously but it was not around.
09 June (Day 3)
Awoke to a very damp, misty morning and spent an hour and a half birding along the trail which produced Rufous-breasted Leaftosser and more great views of Gould’s Toucanet.. Departed around 08.15am passing through miles of empty caatinga arriving at Quixada at 10.15am; a town set amidst a strange landscape of rocky mounds which is apparently one of the Brazilian hotspots for UFOs. Continuing south and east we arrived at Morada Nova at noon in the middle of a vaqueiro festival; hundreds of cowboys riding through town and what appeared an equal number of police impounding dozens of motorbikes; completely blocked the main road in the process. However Ciro made a call and the local landowner showed up amazingly quickly to lead us out to his fazenda where, after a short hot walk, we had stellar views of Pygmy Nightjar at their daytime roost. Leaving around 2.30 pm we made the long drive to the city of Crato close to Juzeiro do Norte and checked in at the Encosta de Serra Hotel around 8.00pm.
10 June (Day 4)
It was clearly the Brazilian winter as we awoke to another cold damp morning departing at 5.00am for the 45 minute drive to the “carrasco” ( type of caatinga) vegetation of Araripe National Forest on top of the plateau of the Chapada da Araripe. As we parked the car it was extremely quiet confirming that the breeding season was over and the birds had given up singing . Barred Forest Falcon was about the only bird we could hear. However with Ciro’s skill at identifying species from the briefest chip we began to find birds and in the end had exceptional views of many of the caatinga birds including Planalto Slaty Antshrike, Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, Great Xenops, Caatinga Antwren and Pale-bellied Tyrant Manakin. We then drove a short distance to more open scrubby country with degraded “”carrasco” where we encountered the recently split species of Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus capistratus) which will probably be called Caatinga Barred Antshrike, Lesser Wagtail Tyrant, Grey-eyed Greenlet, Tawny-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Stripe-backed Antbird and Red-shouldered Spinetail. Drove back to the hotel for breakfast around 9.00am and then drove to the Ajara Water Park which is the place to see Araripe Manakin; the bird appearing to co-exist quite happily within the noisy water park albeit along a quiet secluded stream with controlled access. In fact the park owners appear to take great pride in helping conserve this critically endangered species. In life the Araripe Manakin is every bit as stunning as its picture suggests and we headed back to the hotel having had a great morning. In the afternoon we drove back up to the Araripe NF where White-browed Antpitta, but little else new, put on a great show with its “balanca de bunda” mating dance. Drove to the far edge of the plateau for the engaging Spotted Piculet before returning to the forest for nightjars which failed to turn up. Still it had been a very good day.
11 June (Day 5)
Left at 05.30 for the Araripe National Forest seeing our first flock of White-naped Jay and Tawny Piculet but things were again quiet and as we had seen the key birds the previous day we decided to head off on the long drive to Jeremoabo. It was indeed a long drive, eventually crossing the mighty Rio Fransisco on to an appalling road leading to the town of Paulo Alfonso and finally to Jeremoabo where we checked into the Hotel Senhor de Bonfim around 06.00pm. Despit Ciro’s many telephone calls access to the fazenda where Lears Macaw could be found was not yet finalised and we were slightly anxious as we headed to bed.
12 June (Day 6)
Went out early to some degraded habitat but saw little and returned to town for breakfast and a meeting with Sr. whose fazenda contains the spectacular sandstone cliffs where Lears Macaw breed and roost. The usual practice appears to be that Sr. Otavio’s farmhands monitor where the macaws are feeding and you go there but at this time of plenty apparently the birds could be anywhere so it was decided that we should go directly to the cliffs where the birds would be “ guaranteed” Ciro was delighted as the farm, some 56kms from Jeremoabao, contains some of the finest caatinga left in the area. We arrived at the fazenda at 11.00 am and drove along very rough tracks to the roost site. It was a great sight to see the magnificent Lears Macaw wheeling around the high sandstone cliffs. Blue-winged Macaw and Blue-fronted Parrot were also seen as well as Scarlet-throated Tanager and Velvet-black Tyrant which was somewhat unexpected and proved to be Ciro’s bird of the trip. By now it was late afternoon and we finally departed Jeremoabo at 5.00pm arriving around 10.00pm in Uniao dos Palmares, our base for Murici. Tired after the travelling ( as well as 2 months of early dawns at Cristalino) we elected to have a late start and bird the hotel grounds in the morning.
13 June (Day 7)
Out at 6.00am birding the hotel grounds where we saw many species including Green-backed Becard, Guira Tanager, Sombre Humingbird, Great Antshrike, Yellow- breatsted Flycatcher but not the hoped for Seven-coloured Tanager. We then drove to Murici and on the edge of town turned off to drive to a forest remnant at the Murici Ecological Station in what was once the Fazenda Bananeira. The forest everywhere has been systematically destroyed for sugar cane which now covers the hillsides in all directions and it was a depressing, rough and difficult 1.5 hour drive to reach the Bananeira Forest at 3000 hectares the largest single remaining fragment out of a total of some 5000 hectares. Sick’s Swift flew overhead as we prepared to enter the forest and despite the late hour birds were calling at the start of the trail. Rufous-winged Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater and Scalloped Antbird were calling although the latter proved difficult to see. Blue-backed and Bearded Manakin were vocal and obvious. Things quietened down a bit but 9 Banded Armadillo kept up our interest. As we stopped for lunch Black-headed Berryeater perched nearby whistling loudly. We walked further on the trail seeing Plain Xenops and then in a very small flock we found a pair of the rare Alagoas Antwren which offered unrivalled views. Returning to the vehicle Cinereous Antshrike and White-backed Fire-eye at the forest edge concluded an excellent day.
14 June (Day 8)
Departed at 4.15am in order to get to the Bananeira Forest pre-dawn to catch the early morning bird activity. Arrived just after dawn seeing White-tailed and Zone-tailed Hawk at the forest edge but as we were about to enter the forest Ciro suddenly stopped and led us back up to the high point of the track. We could see nothing but in the distance he had heard the call of Jandaya Parakeet and as he played the tape, 8 of these beautiful parakeets whizzed from the forest cover to perch in a dead tree nearby. Inside the forest the trail was not particularly active and birds proved somewhat elusive. Plenty of Scalloped Antbirds calling but they showed no interest in playback but we eventually had good views of a male. Willis’s Antbird proved more responsive. Activity was really quite low and by 10.30 we had seen little more. Tried for the Alagoas Foliage Gleaner at a couple of places where it has been seen in the past but with no luck and around 11.00 we reached the ruined house at the end of the trail. Suddenly a large mixed flock appeared high in the canopy and during some prolonged neck-breaking viewing we found three of the four remaining target species with great views of Alagoas Tyrannulet, poor views of a pair of Orange-bellied Antwren, and brief views of one Seven-coloured Tanager. White-shouldered Antshrike showed well and after a brief lunch we headed back to the car. Stopped off at the Serra do Ouro Research Station where Golden-spangled Piculet was the main highlight. Good views of White bellied Nothura as we drove out through the cane fields.
15 June (Day 9)
The car suspension was playing up after the battering it took getting to Bananeira Forest and Ciro took it to a mechanic before we left for the drive to Recife to pick up Mauricio who would provide directions to reach the forest at Engenhero Cachoeira Linda . Arrived in Tamandare and headed straight to the forest fragment. Unfortunately our luck ran out and the 4WD became firmly embedded in the mud and despite all our efforts we could not get out. It was raining and dusk was falling when we had the great good fortune to be rescued by the only tractor for miles around which just happened to be passing. Without the tractor the options were not good!!
16 June (Day 10)
Clearly the forest at Engenhero Cachoeira Linda was not accessible so Ciro made some calls and we obtained permission to bird the Reserva Biologica de Saltinho. He worked hard to obtain these permissions so it was a pity that, on the day, the birding proved to be something of a disappointment. Returned to Recife early afternoon we were lucky to catch an early flight to Sao Paulo which gave us loads of time to relax in the hotel before the flight back home the next day.
TINAMIFORMES: Tinamidae
White-bellied Nothura (Nothura boraquira)
Great views on the access track to Bananeira through the cane fields on 14/06.
Spotted Nothura (Nothura maculosa)
Poor views of a roadside bird as we drove to Jeremoabo on 11/06.
PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae
Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Seen in roadside ponds throughout N.E. Brazil and at Faz. de Serra Branca on 12/06
PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae
Neotropic (Olivaceous) Cormorant(Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae
Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus)
A single bird by a pond at Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06 was something of a surprise.
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
Striated Heron (Butorides striata)
In roadside marshes and ponds on 08&09/06.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
In roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06 and at Jeremoabo on 12/06.
Brazilian Teal (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06 and at Jeremoabo on 12/06.
White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis)
20 in a pond at Jeremoabo on 12/06.
Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma)
Several in a large roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
FALCONIFORMES: Cathartidae
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
Seen regularly throughout
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Seen regularly throughout.
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus)
The common roadside vulture; seen daily
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
Many birds seen at the Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06
FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae
White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)
A couple of adults and one immature in the grassland adjacent to Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06
Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
An adult and an immature eating apple snails in a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06
Crane Hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens)
Poor views of a bird at Baturite on 08/06.
Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
Seen several times during the long drives through the caatinga of NE Brazil.
Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris)
Fairly common; seen almost daily
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus)
Soaring over the Bananeira Forest on 14/06 and at Reserva Biologica de Saltinho on 16/06.
Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)
Soaring over the Bananeira Forest on 14/06.
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus )
Common.
Barred Forest-Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis)
A bird calling at dawn the Araripe N.F. on 10/06. gave some good flight views
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
GALLIFORMES: Cracidae
Rusty-margined Guan(Penelope superciliaris)
A couple of birds seen in the early morning along the trail at the Araripe NF on 10/06.
GALLIFORMES: Odontophoridae
Spot-winged Wood-Quail (Odontophorus capueira)
To our great surprise a speculative play of the tape brought forth an immediate ringing response from a small part of Wood Quail on the Trilha do Vale at Baturite on 08/06. Still hard to see we had eventually had one good if brief look at a couple of birds as they passed through a gap in the vegetation.
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
Rufous-sided Crake (Laterallus melanophaius)
Another tough bird to see but good views at the pond edge near the entrance to our hotel in Baturite on 08/06.
Ash-throated Crake (Porzana albicollis) H
We would have seen this bird were it not for the fact that we were too busy trying to dig out our 4WD stuck in the mud on the track to Engenho Cachoeira Linda on 15/06.
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
GRUIFORMES: Cariamidae
Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
4 birds seen on the drive to Faz. De Serra Branca near Jeremoabo on 12/06.
Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
In a roadside marsh on the drive to Quixada on 09/06.
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
Pied Lapwing (Vanellus cayanus)
Two birds on the muddy bank of a small river near Morada Nova on 09/06.
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
Seen regularly during the long drives across N.E. Brazil
CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
South American Snipe (Gallinago paraguaiae)
This roding bird we did see flying high over the fields as we were busy trying to dig out our 4WD stuck in the mud on the track to Engenho Cachoeira Linda on 15/06.
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Seen a few times mainly in towns and villages.
Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro)
A few birds along the track to Faz. De Serra Branca near Jeremoabo on 12/06.
Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)
Seen and identified during a roadside stop on 09/06. Probably overlooked elsewhere.
Plain-breasted Ground-Dove (Columbina minuta)
Fairly common.
Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti)
Common
Picui Ground-Dove (Columbina picui)
Seen and identified during a roadside stop on 09/06. Probably overlooked elsewhere.
Scaled Dove (Columbina squammata)
Seen on the drive to Faz. De Serra Branca near Jeremoabo on 12/06 and at Res. Biologica de Saltinho on 16/06.
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verrauxi)
Seen on the drive to Faz. De Serra Branca near Jeremoabo on 12/06.
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
Lears Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari) Endemic Critically Endangered
Several pairs of this endangered parakeet seen flying around the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of their roost site at Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06. Another couple of pairs seen flying to and from their feeding grounds from the fazenda gate and one immature bird perched at the side of one of the trails.
Blue-winged Macaw(Primolius maracana)
Poor views of a couple of birds at Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06.
Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis)
A small flock flying low over the Serra do Ouro Research Station near Murici on 14/06.
Blue-crowned Parakeet Blue-crowned Parakeet (Aratinga acuticaudata)
Many birds circling around the sandstone cliffs at the Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06.
Jandaya Parakeet (Aratinga jandaya) Endemic
Eight of these spectacular parakeeets perched on a dead tree near the entrance to Bananeira Forest on 14/06.
Caatinga (Cactus) Parakeet (Aratinga cactorum) Endemic
Small family parties seen at various roadside locations on 09,10& 12/06.
Grey-breasted Parakeet (Pyrrhura griseipectus ) Endemic Critically Endangered
Pyrrhura leucotisP. leucotis, P. pfrimeri and Grey-breasted Parakeet P. griseipectus.A family group of six Grey-breasted Parakeet watched returning and going to their roosting hole in the privately owned forest at Baturite on 08/06.
Blue-winged Parrotlet (Forpus xanthopterygius)
Small numbers of this engaging parrotlet seen on several dates together with a pair feeding young in the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri)
A small group in the privately owned and protected forest at Baturite on 08/06
Blue-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva)
Several birds observed perched in the caatinga leading to the Lear’s roost site at Faz.de Serra Branca on 12/06.
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
Dark-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus melacoryphus)
Seen in the tangled undergrowth bordering the track in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 09/06.
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)
Seen at Baturite 08/06, Bananeira Forest 13&14/06 and at Res. Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)
Common
Guira Cuckoo (Guira guira)
Common
Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia)
This vocal but difficult to observe species seen in the grounds of the Quilombo Park Hotel on 14/06
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
One bird calling near our bungalow in the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
A single bird seen along the tracks through the canefields at dusk at Murici on 13/06.
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis)
A few birds seen along the tracks through the canefields at dusk at Murici on 13/06.
Pygmy Nightjar (Caprimulgus hirundinaceus) Endemic
Wonderful views of this difficult species at their daytime roost in some rocky outcrops on a private fazenda near Morada Nova on 09/06. One nesting pair with 2 eggs laid more or less directly onto the baking hot rocks.
APODIFORMES: Apodidae
Sick’s Swift ( Chaetura meridionalis )
2 or 3 birds over the entrance to the Bananeira Forest on10/06
Fork-tailed Palm-Swift (Tachornis squamata)
Several birds zipping around above a roadside marsh near Quixada on 09/06.
TROCHILIFORMES: Trochilidae
Rufous-breasted (Hairy) Hermit(Glaucis hirsuta)
Seen feeding on heliconias in the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06.
Planalto Hermit (Phaethornis pretrei)
Observed in the streamside vegetation at the Araja Water Park on 10/06.
Reddish Hermit (Phaethornis ruber)
Seen on 14/06 at Faz. Bananeira, Murici
Sombre Hummingbird (Campylopterus cirrochloris) Endemic
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Swallow-tailed Hummingbird (Eupetomena macroura)
Seen at Brasilia Airport as we waited for the delayed flight to Fortaleza on 07/06 and in the caatinga at Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06.
Black Jacobin (Florisuga fuscus)
A couple of birds in the Bananeira Forest near Murici on 13/06.
Glittering-bellied Emerald (Chlorostilbon aureoventris)
In the degraded caatinga near the Araripe National Forest on 10/06.
Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata)
Seen on the trail near our bungalow in the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
White-chinned Sapphire (Hylocharis cyanus)
On the Trilha do Vale at Baturite on 08/06
Glittering-throated Emerald (Amazilia fimbriata )
On the trail next to the IBAMA building at Araripe N.F. on 11/06
Stripe-breasted Starthroat (Heliomaster squamosus) Endemic
A female seen near the Lears Macaw roost siteat Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06.
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquata)
Seen on 09&11/06 at roadside ponds and marshes as we drove across N.E. Brazil
Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
Seen on 09&11/06 at roadside ponds and marshes as we drove across N.E. Brazil
PICIFORMES: Galbulidae
Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
PICIFORMES: Bucconidae
Spot-backed Puffbird (Nystalus maculatus)
A couple of birds perched on wires as we drove through the vast Brazilian countryside on 09/06; another near Bananeira Forest on 14/06 and at Res. Biologica da Slatinho on 16/06.
PICIFORMES: Ramphastidae
Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
Several of this species from the trail through Bananeira Forest on 14/06.
Black-necked Aracari (Pteroglossus aracari)
Several of this species around the Serra do Ouro Ecological Sation on 14/06.
Gould's Toucanet (Selenidera gouldii)
Stunning views of a pair calling and displaying from the trail in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06. The birds also showed well the following morning through the windblown mist.
PICIFORMES: Picidae
Golden-spangled Piculet(Picumnus exilis)
Seen at Serra da Ouro Ecological Station on 14/o6 to complete a clean swep of the piculets.
Spotted Piculet (Picumnus pygmaeus) Endemic
This charming species seen from the roadside on 10/06 at the far edge of the Chapada do Araripe as it descends into Pernambuco.
Tawny Piculet (Picumnus fulvescens) Endemic Near-threatened
At the edge of the Araripe N.F. nera the IBAMA HQ on 11/06.
Ochraceous Piculet (Picumnus limae) Endemic Vulnerable
This splendid piculet seen from the trail in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06.
White Woodpecker (Melanerpes candidus)
Flight views only during the drive near to Quixada on 09/06.
Little Woodpecker (Veniliornis passerinus)
Seen from the trail in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06. Also seen at ??????
Red-stained Woodpecker (Veniliornis affinis)
On the trail at Bananaeira Forest on 14/06 and at Res. Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
Golden-green Woodpecker (Piculus chrysochloros)
A female in the caatinga at Araripe N.F. on 10/06
Blond-crested Woodpecker (Celeus flavescens)
This splendid woodpecker seen from the trail in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Furnariidae
Pale-legged Hornero (Furnarius leucopus)
Fairly common – seen almost daily in small numbers
Wing-banded (Band-tailed or Tail-banded) Hornero (Furnarius figulus) Endemic
Much less common than preceding species; seen only in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06.
Sooty-fronted Spinetail(Synallaxis frontalis)
Seen only in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06.
Red-shouldered Spinetail (Synallaxis hellmayri) Endemic Near-threatened
Seen with some difficulty, in the degraded caatinga near Araripe N.F. on 10/06.
Grey-headed Spinetail (Cranioleuca semicinerea) Endemic
Seen only in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06.
Yellow-throated (chinned) Spinetail (Certhiaxis cinnamomea)
Seen only in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06.
Common (Rufous-fronted or Plain) Thornbird(Phacellodomus rufifrons)
Nesting pairs at the degraded carrasco at the edge of the Araripe N.F. on 10/06 and in the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Caatinga Cacholote (Pseudoseisura cristata) Endemic
Great views of this classy bird at a roadside stop on the road from Baturite to Quixada on 09/06 and on the road to Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06.
Great Xenops(Megaxenops parnaguae) Endemic
Wondeful views of two birds on the edge of the caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06
Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus)
On the trail inside the Bananeira forest on 13&14/06.
Rufous-breasted Leaftosser (Sclerurus scansor)
We understand that the subspecies found in NE Brazil will almost certainly be split as Sclerurus cearensis but as yet no English name has yet been proposed.Two birds on the Trilha do Vale at Baturite on o8/06 and another on the trail in the grounds of the Alto do Serra hotel on 09/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Dendrocolaptidae
Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fulginosa)
Observed attending a small antswarm at the edge of the Bananeira Forest on 14/06
Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus) H.
Heard only at Res. Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
Planalto Woodcreeper(Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)
On private land at the Grey-breasted Parakeet site at Baturite on 08/06.
Lesser Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus fuscus)
This disjunct Atlantic Forest form or subspecies “atlanticus” is a candidate for future split. Seen from the trail in the hotel grounds at Baturite on 08/06.
Straight-billed Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus picus)
On the Trilha do Vale trail at Baturite on 08/06.
Narrow-billed Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
Seen in open country near the entance to Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06
Red-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
Heard in a couple of forest locations; seen only in the caatinga at Faz. De Serra Branca 12/06
PASSERIFORMES: Thamnophilidae
Great Antshrike (Taraba major)
On the trail in the grounds of the Alto do Serra hotel on 09/06 and in the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (Sakesphorus cristatus) Endemic
In the dense caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Caatinga Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus capistratus)
This species is a recent split from Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) and while the Latin name is conformed there is, as yet, no English name although it maty well be called Caatinga Barred Antshrike. Seen at Chapada do Araripe on 10/06.
White-shouldered Antshrike(Thamnophilus aethiops)
A single bird of the sub species “distans” seen at the ruined house at the end of the trail at Bananeira on 14/06.
Planalto Slaty Antshrike (Thamnophilus pelzelni) Endemic
In the dense caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Rufous-winged Antshrike (Thamnophilus torquatus)
A single bird in the scrubby degraded caatinga near Araripe NF on 10/06.
Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
A pair see on the trail in the grounds of the Alto do Serra Hotel on 08&09/06. These birds are of the subspecies Th.caerulescens cearensis
Cinereous Antshrike (Thamnomanes caesius)
Seen attending an antswarm at the start of the trail through the Bananeira Forest on 14/06. Others heard on that trail.
Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis)
On the trail in the grounds of the Alto do Serra Hotel on 08&09/06 and on the trail through the Bananeira Forest on 14/06.
White-flanked Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris)
2 or 3 single birds along the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06.
Alagoas Antwren (Myrmotherula snowi) Endemic Critically Endangered
A very vocal pair seen in a small mixed flock on the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13/06 was a piece of very good fortune as we were able to observe, record and photograph this rare species .
Stripe-backed Antbird (Myrmorchilus strigilatus)
Another good species this skulker showed well in the degraded caatinga at Araripe NF. on 10/06
Black-capped Antwren (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
On the trail from our hotel in Baturite on 08/06, at the edge of the caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06 and at Bananeira Forest on 13/06.
Caatinga Antwren (Herpsilochmus sellowi ) Endemic Near-threatened
Formerly considered conspecific with Pileated Antwren (Herpsilochmus pileatus) . Several birds heard and seen in the dense caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Pectoral Antwren (Herpsilochmus pectoralis) Endemic Vulnerable
This very local and hard to find species was a great bonus in the pristine caatinga at the Lears Macaw roost site at Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06.
Rufous-winged Antwren (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)
First on the trail in the grounds of the Alto do Serra Hotel on 09/06and then on the trail at Bananeira forest on 13/06.
White-fringed Antwren(Formicivora grisea)
Poor views at the edge of the Bananeira Forest on 13/06, but a a pair seen much better in the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Black-bellied Antwren(Formicivora melonogaster)
Several birds heard and seen In the dense caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Orange-bellied Antwren(Terenura sicki) Endemic Critically Endangered
Neck breaking views of a pair of this rare antwren high in the canopy at the very end of the trail in the Bananeira Forest on 14/06
Willis’s Antbird (Cercomacra laeta) Endemic
This vocal species seen well in the Bananeira Forest on 14/06 and again at Res. Biologica de Saltinho on 16/06.
White-backed Fire-eye (Pyriglena leuconota)
3 or 4 birds Seen attending an antswarm at the start of the trail through the Bananeira Forest on 14/06. Others heard on that trail.
Scalloped Antbird (Myrmeciza ruficauda) Endemic Endangered
Seemingly common at the Bananaeira Foerst with many birds calling 0n 13&14/06 although they were unresponsive to playback and proved very difficult to see well. One bird eventually seen well, far off the trail on 14/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Formicariidae
Short-tailed Antthrush (Chamaeza campanisona)H.
Heard calling in reponse to playback on the Trilha do Vale at Baturite on 08/06. Not pursued.
White-browed Antpitta (Hylopezus ochroleucus) Endemic Near-threatened
Extraordinary views of this antpitta performing its “balance da bunda” mating ritual in response to playback in the dense caatinga at Araripe NF. on10/06
PASSERIFORMES: Conopophagidae
Rufous Gnateater (Conopophaga lineata)
The form of Rufous Gnateater found in NE Brazil is of the subspecies” cearae” which, in the future, is likely to be split as Caatinga Gnateater ( Conopophoga cearae). First seen on the trail in the grounds of the Alto do Serra Hotel on 09/06 and at the Hotel Remanso de Serra later the same morning.
Black-cheeked Gnateater (Conopophaga melanops)
A couple of pairs seen on the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06
PASSERIFORMES: Cotingidae
Black-headed Berryeater (Carpornis melanocephalus) Endemic Vulnerable
A single bird responded to imitations of its call on the trail at Bananeira on 13/06
Screaming Piha(Lipaugus vociferans) H.
Heard on 13&14/06 at Bananeira Forest. Not pursued.
White-winged Cotinga (Xipholena atropurpurea)
Poor views of a female of this species at on the trail at Bananeira on 13/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Pipridae
Band-tailed Manakin (Pipra fasciicauda)
The disjunct population in NE Brazil is if the subspecies “scarlatina” which may in time become a full species split from its close relative in Amazonia. Seen on08/06 on the Trilha do Vale Trail at Baturite and also in the privately protected forest there.
Red-headed Manakin (Pipra rubrocapilla)
Seen on the trail at Bananeira on 13/06. Also at Res. Biologica da Saltinho on 16/06.
Araripe Manakin (Antilophia bokermanni) Endemic Critically Endangered
It seems astonishing that such a bird remained undiscovered until 1996 but it did. Critically endangered because of pressure upon its very specific streamside habitat requirements within its tiny area of distribution which is about 60kms along the base of Chapada do Araripe. Seen along the quiet and protected stream within the noisy Araja Water Park near Crato on 10/06.
Blue-backed Manakin (Chiroxiphia pareola)
Seen on the trail at Bananeira on 13/06
White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus)
Up to a dozen lekking birds seen on the trail at Bananeira on 13/06
Thrush-like Schiffornis (Schiffornis turdinus) H.
Heard along the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06. Not pursued.
Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin (Neopelma pallescens)
On the edge of the good caatinga at Araripe NF. on 09/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Tyrannidae
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Grey Elaenia (Myiopagis caniceps)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Greenish Elaenia( Myiopagis viridicata )
In the caatinga at Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06.
Forest Elaenia(Myiopagis gaimardii)
Seen at Res. Biologica da Saltinho on 16/06.
Large Elaenia ( Elaenia spectabilis)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06
Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster)
Fairly common.
White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps)
Two or three birds in the carrasco of Chapada do Araripe on 10/06.
Alagoas Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes ceciliae) Endemic Endangered
Two birds associating with the large mixed flock at the end of the trail at Bananeira on 14/06.
Planalto Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06.
Slender-footed Tyrannulet (Zimmerius gracilipes)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06 and the Trilha do Vale on 08/06.
Campo Suiriri (Suiriri affinis)
3 or 4 birds at the entrance to the Faz. De Serra Branca near Jeremoabo on 12/06
Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant (Stigmatura napensis)
We understand that the subspecies “bahia” found in NE Brazil is sometimes treated as a separate species.Two birds seen in the scrubby degraded caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
Two birds seen in the scrubby degraded caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
White-bellied Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus griseipectus)
A couple of birds on the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13/06.
Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
From the road on the far side of the plateau Chapada do Araripe as it descends into Pernambuco on 10/06
Buff-breasted Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus mirandae) Endemic Vulnerable
Seen on the Trilha do Vale and in the private reserve at Baturite on 08/06.
Common Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Flatbill) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Yellow-breasted Flycatcher (Flatbill) (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
After hearing this species in virtually ever location visited finally seen in the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
White-throated Spadebill (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06 and the trail in the Araripe NF next to the IBAMA HQ on 11/06.
Bran-coloured Flycatcher(Myiophobus fasciatus)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Black-tailed Flycatcher (Myiobius atricaudus)
On the trail in the Araripe NF next to the IBAMA HQ on 11/06.
Cliff Flycatcher ( Hirundea ferruginea)
In the grounds of the Remanso Hotel do Serra at Baturite on 08/06
Fuscous Flycatcher (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
Seen in the scrubby degraded caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Euler’s Flycatcher ( Lathrotriccus euleri)
Seen in the scrubby degraded caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
White Monjita (Xolmis irupero)
A pair along the road from Crato to Jeremoabo on 11/06.
Velvety Black-Tyrant (Knipolegus nigerrimus) Endemic
Something of a surprise with a single bird in the caatinga near the Lears Macaw roost site in Faz.de Serra Branca on 12/06
Black-backed Water-Tyrant (Fluvicola albiventer)
In the grounds of the Remanso Hotel at Baturite 08/06 and on the road to Quixada 09/06.
Masked Water-Tyrant Masked Water-Tyrant (Fluvicola nengeta)
Seen in open country on the outskirts of Jeremoabo on 12/06.
White-headed Marsh-Tyrant (Arundinicola leucocephala)
Seen in a marsh on the outskirts of Quixada on 09/06.
Cattle Tyrant(Machetornis rixosus)
In a park in Crato on 11/06.
Greyish Mourner (Rhytipterna simplex) H.
Heard along the trail at Bananeira Forest on 14/06.
Short-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus ferox)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06.
Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
Seen in the carrasco of Chapada do Araripe 10/06 and at Faz. de Serra Branca on 12/06 .
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on13/06
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarhynchus pitangua)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis)
Common.
Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus)
Seen in the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 12/06.
Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Variegated Flycatcher (Empidonomus varius)
From the road on the far side of the plateau Chapada do Araripe as it descends into Pernambuco on 10/06.
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Common.
Green-backed Becard (Pachyramphus viridis)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
Crested Becard (Pachyramphus validus)
Seen in open country near the entance to Faz. De Serra Branca on 12/06
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
Grey-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea)
In the grounds of the Remanso Hotel do Serra at Baturite on 08/06
Blue-and-white Swallow (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer).
Two birds on the muddy bank of a small river near Morada Nova on 09/06.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Seen regularly over open country.
PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
Yellowish Pipit ( Anthus lutescens)
In grasslands on the track to Bananeira Forest on 14/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Troglodytidae
Moustached Wren (Thryothorus genibarbis)
Fairly common, Baturite 08&09/06, Bananeira Forest 13&14/06 and Res. Saltinho 16/06.
Long-billed Wren (Thryothorus longirostris)
In the caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
Fairly common.
PASSERIFORMES: Mimidae
Chalk-browed Mockingbird (Mimus saturninus)
Common.
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris)
Seen in the gardens of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
Pale-breasted Thrush (Turdus leucomelas)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
Creamy-bellied Thrush(Turdus amaurochalinus )
Seen at the Faz. De Serra Branca near Jeremoabo on 12/06
White-necked Thrush (Turdus albicollis)
Seen and heard at Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Polioptilidae
Long-billed Gnatwren (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
Two or three birds seen and heard along the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06.
Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea)
In the caatinga of Araripe NF on 10/06
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
White-naped Jay (Cyanocorax cyanopogon) Endemic
Along the road that runs through the Araripe NF on 11/06 and at Bananeira Forest on 13/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olinaceous)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/05.
Grey-eyed Greenlet (Hylophilus amaurocephalus) Endemic
Seen in the scrubby degraded caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel in União dos Palmares on 13/06.
PASSERIFORMES:Parulidae
Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi)
Final bird of the trip at Res. Biologica da Saltinho on 16/06
Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus)
In the grounds of our hotel at Baturite on 08&09/07 and at Res.Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
Flavescent Warbler (Basileuterus flaveolus)
Seen in the caatinga near the Lears Macaw roost site in Faz . de Serra Branca on 12/06.
PASSERIFORMES:Coerebidae
Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)
Seen regularly in forest and forest edge.
PASSERIFORMES: Thraupidae
Chestnut-vented Conebill (Conirostrum speciosum )
Seen in the caatinga near the Lears Macaw roost site in Faz . de Serra Branca on 12/06.
Cinnamon Tanager (Schistochlamys ruficapillus )
In the caatinga of Araripe NF on 10/06.
Scarlet-throated Tanager (Compsothraupis loricata) Endemic
A small flock feeding in the caatinga at Faz . de Serra Branca on 12/06.
Guira Tanager (Hemithraupis guira)
In the grounds of the Quilombo Parque hotel on 13/06, then at Bananeira 13&14/06.
Yellow-backed Tanager (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
In mixed flocks on the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06.
Hooded Tanager (Nemosia pileata)
In mixed flocks at Res.Biologica de Saltinho 16/06
Flame-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus cristatus)
In mixed flocks on the trail at Bananeira Forest on 13&14/06.
Brazilian Tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius) Endemic
In the forest edge at the entrance gate at Res.Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
Sayaca Tanager (Thraupis sayaca)
Seen 09/06 at Morada Nova.
White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus)
In the caatinga at Faz . de Serra Branca on 12/06 and at Res.Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum)
Common
Purple-throated Euphonia (Euphonia chlorotica)
On the trail in the Araripe NF next to the IBAMA HQ on 11/06.
Violaceus Euphonia (Euphonia violacea)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
Seven-coloured Tanager (Tangara fastuosa) Endemic Vulnerable
A single bird high in the canopy with a mixed flock at the end of the trail in Bananeira Forest on 14/06 was the only record.
Red-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanocephala)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06.
Burnished-buff Tanager (Tangara cayana)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
Opal-rumped Tanager (Tangara velia)
A pair in the canopy with a mixed flock at the end of the trail in Bananeira Forest on 14/06
Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06 and at Res.Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
In a mixed flock at the end of the trail in Bananeira Forest on 14/06.
Swallow-Tanager (Tersina viridis)
A small group at the Serra do Ouro Research Station on 14/06
PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae
Pileated Finch(Coryphospingus pileatus)
In the caatinga at Araripe NF on 10/06.
Blue-black Grassquit(Volatinia jacarina)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08/06 and at Res.Biologica de Saltinho 16/06.
White-throated Seedeater (Sporophila albogularis)
In scrubby grassland on the outskirts of Jeremoabo on 12/06
Grassland Yellow-Finch (Sicalis luteola)
At a roadside stop between Baturite and Chapada do Araripe on 09/06.
Red-cowled Cardinal (Paroaria dominicana) Endemic
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
Pectoral Sparrow (Arremon taciturnus)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06.
Grassland Sparrow (Ammodramus humeralis)
In the degraded caatinga and scrubland near Araripe NF on 10/06.
Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
PASSERIFORMES: Cardinalidae
Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus)
On the trail in Bananeira Forest on 13/06.
Black-throated Saltator (Saltator atricollis)
In the caatinga at Faz . de Serra Branca on 12/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Icteridae
Chestnut-capped Blackbird (Agelaius ruficapillus)
Many at the marsh near Quixada on 09/06 with others near Faz. de Serra Branca on 12/06
White-browed Blackbird (Sturnella superciliaris)
Regular along the roadside as crossed the vast spaces of NE Brazil
Bay-winged Cowbird (Molothrus badius)
A couple of flocks on the drive between Batiurite and Crato on 09/06.
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
Seen occasionally along the roadside as crossed the vast spaces of NE Brazil.
Epaulet Oriole (Icterus cayanensis)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06.
Red-rumped Cacique (Cacicus haemorrhous)
In the grounds of the Serra do Ouro Research Station on 14/06
Campo Troupial (Icterus jamacaii)
A couple of birds at Morada Nova on 09/06 and at Faz. de Serra Branca on 12/06.
PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
In the grounds of the hotel at Baturite on 08&09/06.
Additional Species seen or Heard by Ciro Albano
Channel-billed Toucan at Banaeira Forest, White-winged Becard heard in the hotel at Murici, Ultramarine Grosbeak heard in Chapada do Araripe.