This was a full day trip, although only a 20 minute drive to the start point, which is on the track that leaves towards the submit and an area with controlled access (passports required!). We then walked steadily up the track birding as we went. The trees gave way to scrub and more open habitat. At one point we reached a good vantage point where we spent some searching for Grey-winged Cotinga, potentially the bird of the trip. While we did see one, it was rather distant. We did however pick up most of our target birds including Black and Gold Continga, Itatiaia Spinetail and the species shown below.
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| Approaching the top of the track. The gates beyond are where visitors are required to provide passport details before proceeding on foot up the mountain. |
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| Stunning views on the ascent of Pico do Caledonia. |
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The team at the primary viewpoint for searching for Grey-winged Coringa. The town of Nova Friburgo.
Unfortunately the bird we did find was very distant.
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| Nova Friburgo in the distance and in the foreground the trees we scanned for Grey-winged and Black and Gold Cotingas |
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| A four wheel drive vehicle is required for the upper stretches of the track! (Not our vehicle!). |
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| Plovercrest - One of the target birds on the mountain. Up to five sightings but only one prolonged view allowing photographs. |
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| Plovercrest |
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| Itatiaia Thistletail - This is an endemic species with a very restricted range in the Atlantic rain forest. One of the days target birds at this altitude. |
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| Bay-chested Warbling Finch - An endemic species with a very restricted range in the Atlantic rain forest region. |
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| Orange-eyed Thornbird - An endemic species that only breeds in a narrow band along the SE coast of Brazil |
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| Serra Do Mar Tyrannulet - A rare endemic species found between 950 and 2150 metres altitude. Also difficult to photograph! |
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| Rufous-tailed Antbird - A rare endemic species that inhabits Bamboo stands at 800-2200 metres altitude. |
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| Large-tailed Antshrike - Restricted to the S of Brazil and adjacent countries. This was the only bird we saw on the trip. |
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| Rufous-capped Antshrike - Male |
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| Rufous-capped Antshrike - Female - Only two seen during the trip. Breeds up to 2400 Metres. Video of singing bird below. |
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| Swallow-tailed Cotinga - Considered to be a rare species. We were fortunate to see this at two different sites. |
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| Blue-billed Black Tyrant - Only seen on two days during the trip. Restricted to the southernmost tip of Brazil and adjacent countries. |
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| Saffron Finch - A widespread species. |
Thick-billed Saltator feeding on vegetation
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| White-rumped Hawk - The only sighting on the trip. Restricted to a band of forest along the SE coast of Brazil and adjacent countries. |
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| On the way back to base we stopped off at site for Red-legged Seriema. Behind our vehicle is the carcass of a horse with a group of Black Vultures. |
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| Red-legged Seriema - Found in the S half of Brazil and adjacent countries. This bird has an unbelievable call! To hear click on video below. |
