Serra dos Órgãos National Park

Birds

Serra dos Órgãos National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with its high-altitude forests, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery providing habitat for some of the most stunning bird species in Brazil.

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.

Vinaceous-breasted Amazon (Amazona vinacea)
An endangered parrot species, 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.

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 plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the diversity of plant life.

Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)
A small but agile bird of prey, the plumbeous kite is frequently seen soaring over the park’s forests, hunting insects and small vertebrates in midair.

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird (Eupetomena macroura)
This stunning hummingbird, with its shimmering green and blue plumage, is one of the most common hummingbirds in the park. It hovers around flowers, feeding on nectar with its specialized tongue.

Rusty-barred Owl (Strix hylophila)
A nocturnal predator, the rusty-barred owl is commonly found in the dense forests of the park. It hunts rodents, birds, and insects, using its silent flight to ambush prey.

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.

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.

Long-tailed Cinclodes (Cinclodes pabsti)
A species endemic to Brazil’s highlands, the long-tailed cinclodes is often seen foraging on rocky outcrops, searching for insects and small invertebrates.

Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (Lochmias nematura)
A secretive bird that thrives along Serra dos Órgãos’ rivers and waterfalls, the sharp-tailed streamcreeper is known for its agility, hopping among rocks and branches to catch insects.

Serra dos Órgãos National Park is one of the most breathtaking natural areas in Brazil, offering a mix of mountainous landscapes, lush forests, and incredible biodiversity. Whether hiking its challenging trails, spotting rare birds, or observing elusive mammals, visitors to this park experience one of the most spectacular and ecologically significant regions of the Atlantic Forest.

Serra dos Órgãos National Park, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a stunning mountain range characterized by towering peaks, lush Atlantic Forest, and cascading waterfalls. This park is one of the most important conservation areas in Brazil, protecting a vast expanse of biodiversity, including rare and endemic species that thrive in its high-altitude forests and rocky landscapes.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
As the apex predator of the Atlantic Forest, the jaguar plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Though rarely seen, this powerful big cat roams the dense forests and rocky cliffs, hunting deer, capybaras, and other mammals.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion, the puma is highly adaptable and inhabits both lowland forests and high-altitude regions. It preys on deer, rodents, and smaller mammals, using stealth and agility to hunt.

South American Coati (Nasua nasua)
A social and curious mammal, the South American coati is often seen foraging in groups. It uses its long snout to dig for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates in the park’s forests.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
One of the most iconic species of the region, the maned wolf thrives in the park’s open grasslands and transitional forests. Unlike typical wolves, it is a solitary animal that primarily feeds on fruits, small mammals, and birds.

Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
The largest land mammal in the Atlantic Forest, the lowland tapir is a crucial seed disperser. It prefers dense forest areas near water sources, where it feeds 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 stealthy nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles. It moves silently through the forest, relying on its excellent night vision and agility to stalk its prey.

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

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

Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
A slow-moving but resilient reptile, the red-footed tortoise is a vital seed disperser in the Atlantic Forest. It has a varied diet, feeding on fruits, flowers, and fungi.