Serra da Bocaina National Park

Birds

Serra da Bocaina National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its Atlantic Forest providing a rich and varied habitat for some of Brazil’s most stunning bird species. From colorful toucans to powerful birds of prey, the park is home to a wide array of avian life.

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
One of the most powerful raptors in the world, the harpy eagle is a dominant predator in the rainforest canopy. It preys on monkeys, sloths, and large birds, using its massive talons to capture its prey.

Red-browed Amazon (Amazona rhodocorytha)
An endangered parrot species, the red-browed Amazon is known for its bright green plumage and red forehead. It is commonly found in the park’s forested areas, feeding on fruits and seeds.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
One of the most iconic birds of the Atlantic Forest, the toco toucan is easily recognized by its massive orange beak. It primarily feeds on fruits but also eats insects and small vertebrates.

Blue-throated Piping Guan (Pipile cumanensis)
A large, turkey-like bird, the blue-throated piping guan is an important seed disperser in the park’s forests. It is often seen moving in the canopy, foraging for fruits.

Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
A striking raptor, the black-and-white hawk-eagle is an impressive hunter, often seen soaring over the park’s mountainous terrain, scanning for prey.

Vinaceous-breasted Amazon (Amazona vinacea)
An endangered parrot, the vinaceous-breasted Amazon is known for its deep green plumage and reddish breast. It thrives in the Atlantic Forest, feeding on fruits and seeds.

Azure Jay (Cyanocorax caeruleus)
A striking blue bird with loud calls, the azure jay is a social species commonly found in the park’s forests. It is known for caching food, such as acorns and seeds, for later consumption.

Swallow-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia caudata)
A small, vibrant bird known for its elaborate courtship dances, the swallow-tailed manakin is commonly found in the understory of Serra da Bocaina’s forests.

White-necked Hawk (Buteogallus lacernulatus)
A rare and striking raptor, the white-necked hawk is found hunting in the park’s forests, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Black-capped Foliage-gleaner (Philydor atricapillus)
A small but active bird, the black-capped foliage-gleaner moves through the forest understory, searching for insects and spiders hidden among leaves.

Serra da Bocaina National Park is a breathtaking destination, offering a mix of mountainous landscapes, lush forests, and coastal beauty. Whether hiking its scenic trails, exploring waterfalls, or observing its incredible wildlife, visitors to this park experience one of the most diverse and stunning ecosystems in Brazil.

Serra da Bocaina National Park, located on the border between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states, is a vast and biodiverse region of the Atlantic Forest. With its rugged mountains, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and coastal stretches, the park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including many endemic species. Its diverse landscapes provide a refuge for rare mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the apex predator of Serra da Bocaina, roaming its dense forests in search of prey such as deer, capybaras, and peccaries. This elusive big cat plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion, the puma is a highly adaptable predator found throughout the park. It preys on a wide variety of animals, from rodents to large mammals, using stealth and agility to hunt.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
This long-legged canid is a unique species found in the park’s open grasslands and transitional forests. Unlike traditional wolves, it is a solitary hunter that feeds on fruits, small mammals, and birds.

South American Coati (Nasua nasua)
A curious and social animal, the South American coati is commonly seen foraging in groups. It uses its long snout to search for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates in the undergrowth.

Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
One of the largest mammals in the Atlantic Forest, the lowland tapir is a crucial seed disperser. It inhabits the park’s dense forests and rivers, feeding on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants.

Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana)
A small and elusive forest-dwelling deer, the red brocket deer prefers the dense understory, where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and fungi. It is most active at night and during twilight hours.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A beautifully spotted wild cat, the ocelot is a nocturnal predator that moves silently through the forest, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is rarely seen due to its secretive nature.

Tayra (Eira barbara)
A member of the weasel family, the tayra is an agile predator and scavenger that thrives in Serra da Bocaina’s forests. It is highly intelligent and preys on small mammals, birds, and fruits.

Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
One of the world’s largest snakes, the green anaconda inhabits the park’s rivers and wetlands. It is a powerful constrictor that preys on fish, birds, and mammals, using its muscular body to subdue prey.

Jararaca Pit Viper (Bothrops jararaca)
A venomous snake commonly found in the Atlantic Forest, the jararaca is an ambush predator that preys on small mammals, birds, and amphibians. It is well-camouflaged in leaf litter and plays an important role in controlling rodent populations.