Belém area

Itinerary

The Belém area is situated at the eastern edge of the Amazon beyond the Tocantins River and acts center of endemism. The vegetation is typically Amazonian, composed almost entirely of terra-firme rainforest, with few areas of flooded forest. The trees are very tall and the understory is sparse. Unfortunately, this region is among the most threatened in the entire Amazon, with only remnants of primary forests remaining. However, these fragments harbor the majority of endemic and threatened bird species.

Endemics

Belém area is the home of the endemic Pearly Parakeet (Pyrrhura coerulescens), and the newly recognized species of Sooty Spinetail (Synallaxis omissa) which is mostly covered in black.

One of the highlights is the Belem Screech-Owl (Megascops ater), which was recently recognized as a full species, is super rare and is probably threatened with extinction. We are closely monitoring the territories of the species.

Aréa belém also home the two most endangered species of the Brazilian Amazon, the endemics: the Black-winged Trumpeter (Psophia obscura) and the legendary Belem Curassow (Crax [fasciolata] pinima) which is facing the imminent threat of extinction.

There are also more than 15 subspecies endemic to the Belém area, such as the rare nominal race of the Para Woodcreeper (Dendrexetastes p. paraensis), the "yellow-collared" Red-necked Aracari (Pteroglossus b. bitorquatus), "black-backed" Olive Oropendola (Psarocolius b. bifasciatus), and the Rose-breasted Chat (Granatellus pelzelni paraensis) which is possibly a separate species - the "Rose-bellied" - and is being taxonomically re-evaluated.

While some species, such as the Hooded Gnateater (Conopophaga roberti), Buff-browed Chachalaca (Ortalis superciliaris) and the rare Red-and-black Grosbeak (Periporphyrus erythromelas), can be found in other regions, they are primarily concentrated in the Belém area.

We can also list the Dot-eared Coquette (Lophornis gouldii), the Maranhao Hermit (Phaethornis maranhaoensis), the beautiful Black-chested Tyrant (Taeniotriccus andrei), that have restricted distribution.

Some species of a Bélem-Guiana distribution pattern are commonly observed in sites of this tour: Red-and-black grosbeak (Periporphyrus erythromelas), Willis's Antbird (Cercomacroides laeta), Buffon's Piculet (Picumnus buffonii), Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus sylvia) and the Spectacled Thrush (Turdus nudigenis).

More highlights

The forest canopy in the sites of this itinerary is beautifully colored by parrots and macaws such as the Golden Parakeet (Guaruba guarouba), the Red-fan Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus), the Vulturine Parrot (Pyrilia vulturina), and the Dusky Parrot (Pionus fuscus).

In a short walk we can see the White-crested Guan (Penelope pileata), the Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak (Parkerthraustes humeralis), the stunning Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus) decorating its nest, the White-tailed Cotinga (Xipholena lamellipennis) perched on top of the canopy, and maybe the Fiery-tailed Awlbill (Avocettula recurvirostris).

Belém area may be the only location worldwide where one can observe two species of Pygmy-Tyrant from the genus Myiornis simultaneously: the Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant (Myiornis ecaudatus) and a yet-to-be-described species locally called as the "Little cricket".

During the hottest hours, we seek refuge in the forest shade in an attempt to capture photographs of the Black-faced Antthrush (Formicarius analis), the elusice Cryptic Forest-Falcon (Micrastur mintoni) and the East Amazonian Fire-eye (Pyriglena leuconota).

In some places the forest is dominated by bamboos, there we can find the Large-headed Flatbill (Ramphotrigon megacephalum), the Kaempfer's Woodpecker (Celeus obrieni) and luckily the infrequent Slate-colored Seedeater (Sporophila schistacea).

At night, after observing the Belem Screech-Owl, we waited a little longer to see the elusive Silky-tailed Nightjar (Antrostomus sericocaudatus), the White-winged Potoo (Nyctibius leucopterus), the Black-banded Owl (Strix huhula), and the Ocellated Poorwill (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus).

Download the
full list of species

Primates

In the Belém area itinerary, we can find very interesting and unfortunately endangered species of monkeys. Especially noteworthy is the extremely rare Ka'apor capuchin, one of the most endangered primates in the world.

Endemics:

- Ka'apor capuchin (Cebus kaapori)
- Black bearded saki (Chiropotes satanas)
- Eastern black-handed tamarin (Saguinus ursulus)

Others:
- Red-handed howler (Alouatta belzebul)
- Collins' squirrel monkey (Saimiri collinsi)
- Feline Night Monkey (Aotus infulatus)
- Tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella)

Landscape

The Belém area region is characterized by terra-firme forests, comprised of towering trees with canopies exceeding 40 meters in height. For optimal photography, we recommend using lenses with long focal lengths. In well-preserved areas, the understory is not very dense, which allows for viewing of distant birds within the forest. The leaf litter in the area is quite thick, creating a habitat for a variety of insects, and attracting many insectivorous bird species.

More information

The main logistic route to this area is to fly to Imperatriz Airport (IMP), which is 70km from the first destination: Açailandia. From there, it's 180km to the forests of Paragominas, the main destination.

Access logistics

Weather

The weather is warm and pleasant, annual temperatures average between 22 and 33 °C and average precipitation between 40–260 mm. The rains are not intense even in the rainy season, which allows birding any time of the year.