Birding in Mato Grosso

We visited the Santuario do Caraca, a relic of the gold rush of the early 1700s. This gem in the middle of the montane rainforest is one of the most atmospheric places we have ever visited. Later we visited the grasslands of Canastra and the Feliciano Abdala Biological Reserve in search of the Muirqui, South America’s largest primate.

Date : May 2018

eBird trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/271422

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Velvety Black Tyrant

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Pale-Throated Pampa Finch is a speciality at Santuario do Caraca.

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Slaty-Breasted Wood Rail

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The rare Rock Tapaculo can be found in the mountains above the Santuario do Caraca.

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Muriqui, aka Woolly Spider Monkey.

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White-bearded manakin was an amazing dancer.

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White-barred piculet

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The grasslands of Canastra

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Streamer-tailed Tyrant were common just after the park's gates.

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White-eared Puffbird was uncommon during our visit.

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Gray Pileated Finch was common near the river below.

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Giant Anteater sneaks away

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Red-Legged Seriema was common near the plateau. Its eerie call at dusk made it easy to locate.

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Peach-Fronted Parakeet was common along the roadsides.

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Laughing Falcon

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Rufous-Headed Tanager

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The dusty landscape of Serra da Canastra

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A flock of Great Dusky Swift.

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Rufous-Tailed Jacamar was common and confiding everywhere.

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Helmeted Manakin was located in the forest near the waterfall at Canastra.

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Long-Tailed Tyrant in a fruiting tree.

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Southern caracara

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Rufous Hornero was a roadside favorite throughout Brazil.