Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park

Birds

Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with its mix of forested areas, open savannas, and cave entrances attracting a variety of avian species. From dazzling hummingbirds to powerful raptors, the park is home to a stunning array of birdlife.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
A striking and powerful scavenger, the king vulture has a striking black-and-white body and a vividly colored head. It soars high in search of carrion, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by cleaning up dead animals.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
Easily recognized by its massive orange beak, the toco toucan is a common sight in the park’s forests. It primarily feeds on fruits but also consumes insects and small reptiles.

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
The world’s largest flying parrot, the hyacinth macaw, is a dazzling blue bird known for its intelligence and strong beak, which it uses to crack open hard nuts. It is often seen in pairs or small groups near palm groves.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
A unique ground-dwelling bird, the red-legged seriema is known for its loud, piercing calls and its habit of hunting snakes and insects. It has powerful legs, which it uses to stomp on prey before eating.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
One of the most graceful birds of prey, the swallow-tailed kite soars effortlessly above the park’s forests, hunting for small mammals, reptiles, and insects.

Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)
This stunning bird, with its iridescent blue crown and long, racket-shaped tail feathers, is commonly seen in shaded forests. It feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and fruits.

White-eared Puffbird (Nystalus chacuru)
A stocky bird with a large head and strong beak, the white-eared puffbird is an expert at catching insects and small reptiles. It perches motionless for long periods before suddenly darting out to grab prey.

Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas speciosa)
A large and attractive pigeon with a scaly-patterned plumage, this species is often found in the park’s forested areas. It feeds primarily on fruits and seeds.

Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga)
A powerful raptor, the great black hawk patrols the park’s rivers and forests, preying on reptiles, small mammals, and birds. It is often seen perched high in trees, scanning the area for movement.

Peach-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula aurea)
This lively and social parakeet is commonly seen flying in small flocks. Its bright green plumage and distinctive orange forehead make it an eye-catching resident of the park.

Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park is a truly unique destination, offering visitors the chance to explore its vast cave systems while encountering an incredible variety of wildlife. The park’s diverse habitats provide a safe haven for some of Brazil’s most fascinating species, making it an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is famous for its extensive cave systems, dramatic limestone formations, and rich biodiversity. The park’s unique landscapes, which include underground rivers, cerrado vegetation, and rocky outcrops, provide habitat for a wide array of fascinating wildlife.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar, the largest big cat in the Americas, is one of the top predators in the park. It roams the dense forests and riverbanks, preying on capybaras, deer, and other mammals. Due to its elusive nature, sightings are rare, but its presence is vital for maintaining ecosystem balance.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
With its long legs and distinctive reddish fur, the maned wolf is a key species of the cerrado biome. Unlike traditional wolves, it is a solitary hunter that feeds on fruits, small mammals, and insects, often spotted wandering through the park’s open grasslands.

Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus)
This small and endangered armadillo is known for its ability to roll into a perfect ball when threatened. It inhabits dry forests and savannas, foraging for insects, especially ants and termites, using its sharp claws.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion, the puma is a highly adaptable predator that thrives in the park’s caves and rocky outcrops. It primarily hunts deer and smaller mammals, using stealth and agility to stalk its prey.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
An expert swimmer, this otter is found in the park’s rivers and underground waterways. It preys on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians and is often seen playing in the water or basking on riverbanks.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This tough and resilient pig-like mammal roams the forests and scrublands of the park. Living in small groups, collared peccaries are opportunistic feeders, consuming roots, fruits, and small animals.

Greater Grison (Galictis vittata)
A lesser-known but fascinating carnivore, the greater grison resembles a mix between a badger and a weasel. It is a fast and agile hunter, preying on rodents, birds, and reptiles in the dense vegetation of the park.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This medium-sized wild cat, known for its beautiful, spotted coat, is a nocturnal predator that moves silently through the park’s forests. It hunts small mammals, birds, and lizards, relying on stealth and excellent night vision.

Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
This large, non-venomous snake is commonly found in the park’s forests and rocky crevices. It ambushes prey, such as rodents and birds, using its powerful body to constrict and subdue its victims before swallowing them whole.

Jararaca Pit Viper (Bothrops jararaca)
A venomous snake well-adapted to the region, the jararaca is an ambush predator that preys on small mammals, frogs, and birds. While its bite is dangerous, it plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.