Emas National Park

Birds

Emas National Park is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting an impressive variety of species that thrive in its grasslands, forests, and wetlands. From brightly colored parrots to powerful birds of prey, the park is home to an extraordinary avian diversity.

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
The world’s largest flying parrot, the hyacinth macaw, is an unmistakable sight in Emas National Park. With its striking cobalt-blue feathers and powerful beak, it feeds mainly on nuts from palm trees and is often seen flying in pairs or small flocks.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
One of the most iconic birds of the cerrado, the toco toucan is easily recognized by its oversized orange beak. It primarily feeds on fruits but also eats insects and small vertebrates, using its large bill to reach food inaccessible to other birds.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
This tall, ground-dwelling bird is known for its loud, piercing calls that can be heard echoing across the savanna. It preys on small reptiles, insects, and rodents, using its strong legs to chase and subdue its prey.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
A striking and powerful scavenger, the king vulture has a vividly colored head and striking black-and-white plumage. It soars high above the cerrado, scanning for carrion and playing an essential role in maintaining the ecosystem.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
A graceful raptor, the swallow-tailed kite is known for its acrobatic flight and long, forked tail. It preys on insects, small mammals, and reptiles while soaring effortlessly over the park’s open areas.

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)
The largest flightless bird in South America, the greater rhea roams the park’s grasslands in search of seeds, fruits, and small animals. Males take on the responsibility of incubating eggs and caring for the chicks.

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
This brilliantly colored parrot is commonly seen flying in pairs or flocks, emitting loud calls as it moves through the park. It primarily feeds on nuts and fruits and plays an important role in seed dispersal.

Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)
A small, agile bird of prey, the plumbeous kite is frequently seen soaring above Emas National Park. It specializes in catching insects and small vertebrates in midair, demonstrating exceptional aerial hunting skills.

White-eared Puffbird (Nystalus chacuru)
A patient and stealthy hunter, the white-eared puffbird sits motionless on branches before suddenly darting out to capture insects and small reptiles. Its distinctive white cheeks contrast beautifully with its brown plumage.

Peach-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula aurea)
This small, social parrot is commonly found in the park’s open woodlands. Its bright green plumage and distinctive orange forehead make it an eye-catching resident of the cerrado.

Emas National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Brazil’s unique cerrado ecosystem. Whether exploring its vast grasslands, tracking elusive wildlife, or marveling at the spectacular birdlife, this national park remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Emas National Park, located in the state of Goiás, Brazil, is a vast expanse of cerrado, one of the most biodiverse tropical savannas in the world. The park is a sanctuary for an incredible array of wildlife, including some of Brazil’s most iconic mammals and reptiles, many of which have adapted to its open grasslands, shrublands, and seasonal wetlands.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
The maned wolf is one of the most recognizable mammals in Emas National Park. With its long legs and reddish fur, this solitary canid is often seen roaming the open grasslands at dawn and dusk, hunting for rodents, birds, and fruits like lobeira.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
As the top predator in the park, the jaguar plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. Though elusive, this powerful cat prowls the cerrado, preying on capybaras, deer, and other mammals. It is an excellent swimmer and is often found near water sources.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
One of the most unique residents of Emas, the giant anteater uses its long, sticky tongue to consume thousands of ants and termites daily. Its powerful claws help it break into insect nests, while its bushy tail provides camouflage and protection from the sun.

Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
Once widespread across the Brazilian grasslands, the pampas deer has become increasingly rare due to habitat loss. Emas National Park offers a refuge for this elegant herbivore, which feeds on grasses and shrubs in the open savannas.

Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
This large, herbivorous mammal is an important seed disperser in the cerrado ecosystem. Despite its bulky appearance, the Brazilian tapir is an excellent swimmer and often stays close to water sources to feed on aquatic plants, fruits, and leaves.

Hoary Fox (Lycalopex vetulus)
Endemic to the cerrado, the hoary fox is a small, nocturnal canid that primarily feeds on insects, especially termites and grasshoppers. Unlike other foxes, it is highly adapted to open grasslands and rarely ventures into forests.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A highly adaptable and social mammal, the collared peccary is commonly seen moving through the park’s shrublands and forests in small groups. It feeds on roots, fruits, and small animals, playing an essential role in the park’s ecosystem.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This beautifully spotted wild cat is a nocturnal hunter that moves stealthily through the park’s dense vegetation. It preys on rodents, birds, and small reptiles, relying on its agility and keen eyesight to catch its prey.

Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
This powerful, non-venomous constrictor inhabits the park’s wetlands and slow-moving rivers. It preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, using its muscular body to subdue its victims before swallowing them whole.

Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
A slow-moving yet resilient reptile, the red-footed tortoise is a common resident of the cerrado. It primarily feeds on fruits and fungi and plays a vital role in seed dispersal throughout the ecosystem.