Some Exotic Brazilian Birds

Some of the birds that are native to Brazil are so exotic and beautiful that I couldn't help but post an article about a few of the ones that I most love.

The Araras, Probably the one bird that we most associate with Brazil is what we know as the New World Parrots or Macaws. Araras come in an almost endless variety of colors and to me one of the most impressive is the Arara Azul. Their geographic distribution is in southern Central America and the northeastern areas of South America. In many places here in Brazil they are a common sight in nature, more common also in captivity here as pets (unfortunately). Brazilians call them by a number of names which they associate to several different birds, Louro, Papaguaio and Arara among others.

The Seriema (ciriama cristata), The Seriema always reminds me of the image in my mind of the cartoon character "The Road Runner" a very tall, majestic bird that is common to the Brazilian rural areas, usually forms lifelong couples. The male is notable for the feathery crest just behind its beak. The call of the Seriema is an unforgettable high pitched whooping or screach that begins in the early dawn hours and can be heard for miles around. Nature's alarm clock.





The Toucan (ramphastidae), Toucans are probably the bird that is second only to the Arara when we think of Brazilian birds. They are native to the southern regions of Mexico, Central America and the northern parts of South America. When I lived in Belo Horizonte I loved sitting on the balcony off my bedroom in the morning and watch their daily flight overhead to pearch in the nearby trees where they would spend the entire day.





The Hummingbirds/Beija flor (trochilidae) - Found almost in every corner of Brazil. This energetic little bird with its exotic and vibrantly colored iridescent plumage is truly a joy to behold. Most Brazilian households wouldn't be without a hummingbird feeder in their yard in order to attract these wonderful little creatures.

(to be continued)