Southeastern Brazil Part I: Sep 28—Oct 15, 2009

Our flagship Brazil tour to the most endemic-rich corner of the South American continent. Over 160 possible endemics (Parts I & II), including many hummingbirds, antbirds, and tanagers set amidst beautiful scenery including spectacular Iguaçu Falls, Itaimbezinho Canyon, and the Araucaria forests of Rio Grande do Sul.

South America's largest country is also one of its richest for birds. Nowhere is this more apparent than in southeastern Brazil, where habitats range from coastal rainforest and wet pampas to montane cloud forest and plateau grassland. The avifauna of southeast Brazil has radiated in a myriad of directions. Today there are more than 170 species of endemics found nowhere else in the world.

The thunderous cataracts of Iguaçu, the world's largest waterfalls, will be the backdrop for some great birding. We will explore lush forests in search of some of Brazil's most spectacular birds, including Robust, Blond-crested, and Helmeted (very rare) woodpeckers; Red-ruffed Fruitcrow; Spot-billed Toucanet; Toco and Red-breasted toucans; Surucua Trogon; Rufous-capped Motmot; and Plush-crested Jay.

White-bearded Antshrike— Photo: Kevin Zimmer

Curitiba will be our jumping-off spot for exploring the varied Atlantic Forest habitats of Paraná state. The cloud forests of the Serra da Graciosa will provide the backdrop as we search for Solitary Tinamou, Canebrake Groundcreeper, White-bearded and Giant antshrikes, Slaty Bristlefront, White-breasted Tapaculo, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Azure-shouldered and Brassy-breasted tanagers, and more. Nearby grasslands and marshes may yield such specialties as the Sickle-winged Nightjar, Glaucous-blue Grosbeak, and the recently described Wetland Tapaculo. We will also visit marshes and restinga woodlands in adjacent Santa Catarina state in search of the recently described Marsh Antwren, as well as Yellow-legged Tinamou, Ochre-collared Piculet, Pale-browed Treehunter, Spot-backed Antshrike, Squamate Antbird, Unicolored Antwren, Restinga Tyrannulet, the recently rediscovered Kaempfer's Tody-Tyrant, and the spectacular Black-backed and Red-necked tanagers.

Rio Grande do Sul is a world of strange araucaria forests, high plateau grasslands and marshes, and spectacular canyons. This region was colonized by successive waves of European immigrants from Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Their influence is reflected in the landscaping, architecture, and cuisine of the area, which, combined with the temperate climate and moors-like nature of the high grasslands, lends a decidedly European feel. The birds are equally unique, with such specialties as Plumbeous Rail, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Vinaceous-breasted Parrot, Blue-bellied Parrot, Long-tufted Screech-Owl, Mottled Piculet, Araucaria Tit-Spinetail, Straight-billed Reedhaunter, Black-and-white Monjita, Azure Jay, Chestnut-backed Tanager, and Saffron-cowled Blackbird being just a few of the many highlights.

Our 2007 Southeast Brazil tour group in Itatiaia National Park.— Photo: Andrew Whittaker

We will finish with several days at one of our favorite locales in all of South America—lovely Itatiaia National Park. The road up the mountain passes through a lush bromeliad-laden cloud forest and dark tunnels of giant bamboo where restless flocks of colorful tanagers forage and secretive antbirds skulk. A charming family-run inn features excellent food and superb birding. A variety of trails will allow us to sample the avifauna of different elevational zones. Here we may see such gems as the spectacular Black-and-gold Cotinga; Plovercrest; Tawny-browed Owl; Dusky-legged Guan; Large-tailed, Tufted, and Giant antshrikes; Rufous-backed Antvireo; Itatiaia Spinetail; Brassy-breasted Tanager; and many more.

A variety of habitats encompassing some spectacular scenery, a pleasant, largely temperate climate, good food and accommodations throughout, and one of the world's most unique and endangered avifaunas combine to make southeastern Brazil an unforgettable birding experience.

Good to excellent accommodations throughout; great food; easy terrain; many early starts and full mornings, often with significant mid-afternoon breaks; most lodges with excellent birding on the grounds, including hotel at Iguaçu directly opposite the falls; four internal flights, a few long drives; warm to cool climate.