REGUA SPECIALITIES
In addition to the endemic species that make the Atlantic Forest so special, there are several birds that can be considered to be REGUA specialities – species that are perhaps easier to find at REGUA than anywhere else.
Shrike-like Cotinga
Laniisoma elegans
Shrike-like Cotinga, Elegant Mourner, or Brazilian Laniisoma (depending on the classification used) is arguably REGUA’s best known speciality. The lowland forest at REGUA is probably the most reliable place in the world for this rare and seldom seen bird. Restricted to primary and well established secondary forest, the nominate race elegans, occurs only in south-east Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, and although forming the largest population, is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN (smaller populations comprising three even rarer subspecies occur along the Andes). It is thought that adults spend the austral winter at lower elevations, moving higher up to breed. Territorial males are frequently found on the Elfin Forest Trail during the spring and early summer. In the winter months the most reliable spots are the lower stretch of the Waterfall Trail (posts 400 – 2000) and the São José Trail (especially near the canopy tower), where immature birds are often encountered.
Russet-winged Spadebill
Platyrinchus leucoryphus
This Atlantic Forest endemic, classified as Vulnerable, is almost entirely restricted to south-east Brazil, but also found in eastern Paraguay and occasionally in extreme north-east Argentina. Russet-winged Spadebill occurs in very low densities in primary forest, a very rare habitat, and very occasionally in well established secondary forest. Since 2007 birds have regularly been sighted at REGUA, and two pairs have been ringed. The Elfin Forest, Grey and Waterfall Trails are the best places to try. Early morning during the breeding season is best.
Black-legged Dacnis
Dacnis nigripes
A Near-threatened and highly sought-after endemic of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, described by Ridgely and Tudor in 1989 as “rarely seen”. Historically Black-legged Dacnis were recorded only very rarely at REGUA, and Intervales State Park in São Paulo state was the only reasonably reliable site. Then in March 2009 a pair with young were found in the reforested areas at the wetland, and increasing numbers have been found wintering around the wetland each year since. In June 2012, 20-30 birds were estimated to be present around the wetland, including a flock of 13 birds. January to May is the best time of year, when flocks can also often be seen in the lodge garden. Outside of this period birds are occasionally encountered along the forest trails, especially on flowering trees, suggesting that some breed at REGUA.
Giant Snipe
Gallinago undulata
The world’s largest snipe and 20% bigger than a Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola, but the nocturnal habits and unobtrusive behaviour of this uncommon bird make them extremely difficult to see. Not considered globally threatened although they remain under pressure from hunting. The bulk of the population (of the larger race G. u. gigantea) lies mainly in south-east Brazil with smaller populations elsewhere. Before the reforestation around the REGUA wetland, Giant Snipe were not infrequently seen at the wetland, usually in flight at dusk, and the calls of displaying birds could be heard from the lodge. But our guide Adilei Carvalho da Cunha has spent countless hours at night exploring surrounding pasture and has identified several reliable feeding areas. To have a chance of seeing these birds guests must join an organised night-excursion, which often produce incredible close views of birds on the ground.
Salvadori’s Antwren
Myrmotherula minor
Restricted to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil (old records from Peru are no longer considered acceptable), Salvadori’s Antwren is a very rare bird with a tiny range. They are a lowland species generally found in primary or well established secondary forest up to 300 m, but occasionally higher. With almost all of it’s lowland forest habitat either cleared or severely degraded it is considered Vulnerble. Favoured areas at REGUA that provide most sightings include the Elfin Forest Trail (especially around post 1700), the Grey Trail and Waterfall Trail, where they are often seen in mixed species flocks.
White-bellied Tanager
Tangara brasiliensis
Often considered conspecific with the Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana of Amazonia, but recently split by the American Ornithologists’ Union, White-bellied Tanager inhabits semi-open habitats including forest edge, forest clearings and also well established secondary forest.Good places to look for them include the first 300 m of the Waterfall Trail (especially around Casa Pesquisa at the very start of the trail, and also in the trees around the old saw mill along the track leading to the start of the trail).
Long-tailed Potoo
Nyctibius aethereus
This large and proportionately long-tailed Potoo is a rarely seen species with a disjunct and patchy distribution. It occurs very locally in western Colombia, across much of Amazonia — extending north to eastern Venezuela and the Guianas — and again in the Atlantic Forest of eastern South America, with each of these three regions occupied by a distinct subspecies. The species is restricted to lowland forests and lower slopes, inhabiting dense, humid forest environments. Nocturnal in its habits, the Long-tailed Potoo rests during the day high in the forest canopy, often more than 20 metres above the ground, though it is occasionally found perched at lower heights on fence posts in open areas.
White-necked Hawk
Amadonastur lacernulatus
A small black-and-white forest raptor, the White-necked Hawk is restricted to the lowland Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. Similar in appearance to the Mantled Hawk, it can be distinguished by its smaller size and the black band at the tip of the tail. It inhabits forested areas, where it is most often seen perched at mid-level within the forest interior. In the Serra dos Órgãos region, the species is typically recorded at lower elevations, particularly in valleys and on forested hillsides. The White-necked Hawk is considered threatened and has a restricted distribution, occurring from Paraíba south to Santa Catarina.
Yellow-green Grosbeak
Caryothraustes canadensis
Usually encountered in small to mid-sized single-species flocks, which may form the core of larger mixed-species groups, the Yellow-green Grosbeak is an easily recognised and often fairly common species. It is largely yellow-green on the underparts and head, with a heavy-based, mostly pale bill, a black face, and a more olive-green back, wings and tail. Despite typically remaining in the subcanopy, it readily draws attention through its loud, distinctive buzzy calls. The species inhabits lowland forests and lower slopes, where it is most often observed along forest edges. Its distribution ranges from eastern Brazil (Ceará to Rio de Janeiro) northwards through Panama to the northern Amazon.
Frilled Coquette
Lophornis magnificus
A tiny green hummingbird, the male is distinctive with its orange crest and the fan-shaped side feathers of the nape, while the female is green with a white belly and cinnamon-coloured throat. Both sexes show a sharp white band across the uppertail coverts. Typically solitary, the species inhabits forest clearings, young plantations and wooded gardens, where it visits flowers, showing a marked preference for Lantana camara. It may also occasionally visit hummingbird feeders. The species occurs from north-eastern Brazil (Pernambuco) south to Rio Grande do Sul, with some seasonal movements likely linked to flowering patterns and the breeding season.
Least Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium minutissimum
Also known as the Brazilian Pygmy-Owl, reflecting its largely endemic distribution, the Least Pygmy-Owl can be readily distinguished from the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) by its shorter tail and the presence of spots on the crown rather than fine streaks. Within its range, it overlaps geographically only with the widespread Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. In contrast, the Least Pygmy-Owl favours evergreen Atlantic Forest and forest edges, occurring in lowland forests and on lower forested slopes at elevations of up to approximately 1,000 m. The species is typically found in pairs, and its distribution extends from eastern Brazil (Bahia) south to Paraguay.
Boat-billed Heron
Cochlearius cochlearius
Similar in appearance to the Black-crowned Night Heron, but readily distinguished by its extremely broad, flat bill, this species is typically solitary and secretive, remaining concealed within dense vegetation. It is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular in its activity. Nesting may occur singly or in mixed-species colonies alongside other herons and ibises. Uncommon in the Serra dos Órgãos region, it is restricted to lowland flooded forests and is found either within forested areas or in adjacent ponds, lakes and rivers. While wading through shallow water, it uses its distinctive bill to capture amphibians, small fish, crustaceans, insects and other small vertebrates.
