ITINERARY

Download kml file with all gps coordinates

PRACTICALITIES

Transport

Public transport is said to be rather difficult for an independent bird trip. Hence we rented 3 times a car to cover all the different legs of the trip: Fortaleza to Recifé, Recifé to Recifé and Aracaju to Salvador. HM and DVDS were dropped at Maceio and they easily took a comfortable bus to Aracaju. All rental cars were very expensive, no matter which company. We always choose Localiza, sometimes because it was the only agency which was open...

Accommodation

We always slept in cities/towns. Most of the times there were good numbers of hotels in most comfort classes. Prices mostly depend on your choice of standard and partly on your ability to bargain, but in general they were higher than in other South American countries.

• At Serra de Baturité we slept in the well located Remanso Hotel de Serra
  
• As the Serra Bonita Reserve is privately owned, one has to stay in the Lodge.

Money

ATM's were easy to find throughout the country. We also exchange some euros.

Weather

Most tour operators tend to visit the region at the end or beginning of the year, although recently there were some successful trips in the middle of the year. Hence we tried our luck. Most days we had warm and dry weather. Unfortunately we did encounter heavy rain in the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The dirt roads towards Murici were unpassable, even for a 4WD and we did not get to all necessary places to find all the local specialities. In hindsight we would not recommend this period to visit these states...

Health and safety

We encountered no major health problems, but in the first week DVDS got infected by botfly though. Travelling independently caused no safety problems at all. We never experienced any kind of hassle, except for one police checkpoint where we had to 'convince' them to let us pass...

VISITED SITES

Below is a list of the sites we birded. The 2 articles by Ciro Albano published in the Neotropical Bird Cbub journal were used as a guideline throughout the trip. They second part can be found here. There are good numbers of basic reports of organised trips on the net, but for the independent traveller Jacob's report is indispensable.

Aquiraz (Fazenda Ateiras)

We found some pictures of Moustached Woodcreeper on the net not too far from Fortaleza. This was our only opportunity to get this species on this trip. We got in contact with Marcelo Holderbaum (jmholderbaum gmail com) who took us to a private site on the grounds of Fazenda Ateiras (-3.960278, -38.437083). Later on we also tried another spot along the main road (-3.955278, -38.440861). It is advised not to go there by yourself.

Highlights: Unfortunately we did not get to see any convincing Moustached Woodcreeper. No other good species except for some commoner endemics like Cactus Parakeet (5+), White-naped Jay (3), Red-cowled Cardinal (5+), Campo Troupial (10+).

Icapuí

The coastal village of Icapuí is about 200 Km SE of Fortaleza. We took the BR-304 southwards and ca 30 km after Aracati the CE-261 to the left. Eventually you reach the coastal village of Icapuí where we birded the mangroves. There is a newly built boardwalk leading through the mangroves and with nice viewpoint at the end (-4.690517, -37.354479). A little bit further along the dirt road we had some more Wood-Rails running along the mangrove edge (-4.692667, -37.352444).

Highlights: Little Wood-Rail (1 along the boardwalk and 2 along the mangrove edge near the river mouth), Plain-bellied Emerald (3 birds in the mangroves), Cactus Parakeet (10+), Red-cowled Cardinal (a few).

Quixadá (Hotel Pedra dos Ventos)

One of the easiest stake-outs for Pygmy Nightjar must be at the grounds of Hotel Pedra dos Ventos. About 15 km south of Quixadá along the BR-122 there is a turn-off to the left at 5.071444, -39.063889. We took this road and asked around in the smaller village where to find the hotel. The nightjars are both at night and daytime present on the rocky area just beside the restaurant (-5.074428, -39.039250). We also birded one of the trails but did not see too much... No prior reservation was made

Highlights: Pygmy Nightjar (2 birds seen at night, the next morning we found 3 birds on the same rocks near the restaurant), Barred Antshrike (a few seen and more heard, split by some authors as Caatinga Barred Antshrike), White-naped Jay (a few), Long-billed Wren (5+), Campo Troupial (2), Cactus Parakeet (2).

Serra de Baturité

In the middle of the forested part of Serra de Baturité lies the touristic but comfortable Remanso Hotel de Serra along the CE-065 between Guaramiranga and Pacoti. Many of the good species can be seen on the trail system on the grounds of the hotel (-4.243444, -38.930583). It is possible to stay in another (cheaper) hotel but an entrance fee might be charged. We did not make any reservation, but it migth be a good idea when visiting in the high season or weekends.

To see the parakeets you have to take the main road CE-065 north. After a bit more than 2 km, just before the village of Pacoti, turn left on the CE-228 to Inhuporanga. After 2,6 km (-4.21508, -38.943556) take a dirt road to the left towards Santa Rita and after about 500m you'll see a shrine/chapel on the left. On 2 occasions we waited here and scanned for the parakeets the last hour before dusk (-4.217557,-38.947027).

Highlights: Gray-breasted Parakeet (on both days the same group of 9-13 birds in the Pernambuquinho area right at the coordinate), Buff-breasted Tody-Tyrant (daily small numbers), Ochraceous Piculet (4+), Gray-headed Spinetail (1+), Wing-banded Hornero (several), Red-cowled Cardinal (daily recorded), Campo Troupial (daily small numbers).

Serra das Almas (Parambu area)

At the end of the first week, when we drove from Serra de Baturité to Chapada do Araripe, we tried for Hooded Gnateater near Parambu. TThis was based on a google maps point found at the IBC site, somewhere along the BR-020 between Tauá and Picos (-6.577861, -40.694056). Unfortunately this coordinate proved to be wrong. We did not find any suitable habitat for the gnateater, only some good caatinga...

Highlights: Broad-tipped Hermit (2), (1), Caatinga Cacholote (1), Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (1), Planalto Slaty-Antshrike (small numbers), Cactus Parakeet (good numbers), White-naped Jay (a few), Long-billed Wren (1), Red-cowled Cardinal (small numbers), Campo Troupial (2).

Chapada do Araripe

Most of the caatinga specialities can be found on the plateau above Crato. Take the BR-122 from Crato towards Araripina and after 14 kms you will pass head quarters of IBAMA. About 6 more kms a trail starts on the right side (-7.288972, -39.538667). Here most of the caatinga species were seen.

Another good site we birded was the caatinga near the disused airfield strip. Right opposite the IBAMA HQ we took the trail (-7.248708, -39.496758)) and followed it until we reached the airfield (after circa 800 meters). The guans were seen both crossing the strip and in their roosting trees (-7.244639, -39.506639).

We also birded a forest patch described by Jacob to find the manakin. About 8 km from Crato along the same BR-122 there are trails on both sides of the main road (-7.220111, -39.473194). We birded the trail south of the BR-122.

The easiest place to see the Araripe Manakin is probably the Arajara Waterpark. This very touristic place might be somewhat difficult to find. On the eastern edge of the city of Crasto try to find the Av. Dq. de Caxias and turn right at -7.236972, -39.407333. There is a very small sign to the waterpark. This road becomes the CE-386 from Crato towards Barbalha. After circa 11 km a road forks off to the right towards the park (signposted). We entered the park for free and took the Ecological Trail. The manakins were readily heard and seen all along this short trail (-7.333639, -39.412250).

Highlights: Araripe Manakin (10+ birds seen and even more heard at the Arajara waterpark, 2 seen and 1 heard at the Jabob site), White-browed Guan (at least 3 birds along the disused airfield strip), Great Xenops (several sightings at all caatinga sites), Tawny Piculet (small numbers in the caatinga), Red-shouldered Spinetail (only 1 bird along the caatinga trail), White-browed Antpitta (5+ seen in total in the caatinga), Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin (several in caatinga), Caatinga Antwren (small numbers in the caatinga), Gray-headed Spinetail (1 in the caatinga area), Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (small numbers seen in caatinga areas), Planalto Slaty-Antshrike (small numbers seen in caatinga areas), White-naped Jay (a few), Long-billed Wren (small numbers in caatinga), Red-cowled Cardinal (several), Campo Troupial (1).

Saltinho Biological Reserve

This private ICMBio reserve is not freely accessible, a prior permission might be possible to arrange though. It is situated about 130 km south of Recifé along the PE-060. We birded the area next to the entrance gate (-8.732647, -35.173797), mainly scanning the pines for the siskin. We also birded along the main road and the road towards Tamandaré. A few trails were explored as well (-8.734917, -35.162500).

Highlights: Seven-colored Tanager (2 and 3 birds in a mixed species flock), Smoky-fronted Tody-Flycatcher (3+), White-naped Jay (1).

Barreiros

Coming from Saltinho along the PE-060 there is a turn-off right towards Agua Preta (-8.789750, -35.185194), a few km north of Barreiros. About 1 km further the few marshy areas are a take-out for the very local Forbes's Blackbird (-8.786889, -35.196806).

Highlights: Forbes' Blackbird (at least 7 individuals seen).

Murici area

The sparse forest fragments near Murici still hold some highly endemic bird species. In order to obtain permits, find the way and manage to drive up we used the services of Senhor Kedson (tel: +55 82 9919 3003). With his 4WD he took us up to Serra de Ouro and later to Frei Caneca (see below). Kedson does not speak English, does not know the birds but understands the needs of birders. His services were rather expensive, although the driving demanded quite some effort from both the car and the driver. Later we found out that some sites were possible to bird on our own and with our regular car.

The easiest forest patch to reach can be found along the BR-101 about 17 km north of the turn-off to Murici (-9.248417, -35.766861). This paved road goes up for about 3 km to the obvious antennas and eventually leads through some forest. We tried to bird this place despite the persistent rain...

Before the paved road reaches the antennas there is a fork to the left. This becomes a dirt road and descends steeply. Keeping left on the next fork leads you through some meadows. After about 5 km the track enters another forest patch (-9.248222, -35.836889). Just before the track enters the forest we climbed up a grassy hill on the left from where you have a good view for scanning raptors. After a few kms there is a gate (-9.239417, -35.839000) to enter the Serra de Ouro. On one morning we birded this private area.

About 8 km more further along the dirt roads one should find the Fazenda de Bananneira. This is were the specialities should be found. Unfortunately road conditions were terrible and it even would have been impossible to reach it on foot according to Kedson (impassable streams?).

Highlights: White-collared Kite (1 bird seen soaring above Serra de Ouro), Alagoas Tyrannulet (1 at Serra de Ouro), Jandaya Parakeet (daily small numbers), Seven-colored Tanager (5+ at Serra de Ouro), Long-tailed Woodnymph (1-2 daily), Scalloped Antbird (1 in the forest of Serra de Ouro), Mantled Hawk (1 bird seen soaring above Serra de Ouro on both days).

Frei Caneca Private Reserve

This reserve is owned by the Usina Colonia and therefore a permit is needed. You can get it at the small office near Jaquiera (-8.743250, -35.811639). We used the services of Kedson again (see Murici area) to get the appropriate permit and drive us up with his 4WD. Due to very rainy weather the second day we were unable to drive up all the way and walked our way up to the dam. Most of the birding was done in the forest right behind the warden's house on the right side of the dam (-8.721083, -35.840944). We also explored the forest along the main road on the left of the dam and along the jeep track.

Highlights: Alagoas Tyrannulet (at least 3 seen in the forest near the dam), Orange-bellied Antwren (1 pair in the forest behind the warden's house), Willis's Antbird (1 bird right where the jeep track hits the forest edge), Seven-colored Tanager (1 bird only), Scalloped Antbird (1 seen and another heard), Eared Pygmy-Tyrant (an undescribed subspecies sometimes called Alagoas Pygmy-Tyrant: 1 seen in the forest behind the warden's house), Long-tailed Woodnymph (1), Sombre Hummingbird (1).

Barra de São Mighuel

Hervé Jacob reported a Rufous Crab Hawk from this site so we made a small detour on our way to the South. We took the main road AL-101 from Barra de Sao Mighuel southwards. In the bend just before the large bridge there is a dirt road on the right. After a few hundred meters there you have a good view to scan the mangroves (-9.836600, -35.932339). The forest further along the dirt road did not produce any species of note. RD got robbed here when visiting this site on his own...

Highlights: Rufous Crab Hawk (1 immature bird perched high up in a dead tree in the mangrove seen from the coordinate), Plain-bellied Emerald (1 near the mangrove).

Crasto Forest

Some good forest patches can be found along the dirt road towards Crasto. From the main road BR-101 take the SE-318 just south of Estância and continue till the village of Santa Luzia do Itanhy. Here you can take the road SE-444 to the coastal village of Crasto. We only birded the forest patch 4 km from Saint Luzia (-11.374250, -37.423944).

Highlights: Fringe-backed Fire-eye (1 not too responsive bird taped in the forest right at the coordinate), Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike (2 seen and more heard), Cinnamon-vented Piha (2 birds in a mixed flock).

Jeremoaba / Canudos area

The whole road BR-235 between Jeremoaba and Canudos can be birded but we focussed on 3 sites. The first one is about 20 km from Jeremoaba (-10.065306, -38.478528). There are still some patches of caatinga near the pond on the left side.

About halfway between Jeremoaba and Canudos one passes Fazenda Toureiro at about km 50 km. This general area is a good site to see the macaws. We asked permission at a local worker and birded on the grounds of the fazenda (-9.954306, -38.679806). A little bit further we had some more macaws near Fazenda Serra Branca (-9.955944, -38.709167).

Just west of Canudos one can take a dirt road southwards. Whe followed it for a about 2,5 kilometers and birded the good caatinga habitat along the dirt road on the left (-9.927861, -39.032861).

Highlights: Indigo Macaw (27 in total, both near Fazenda Toureiro and Fazenda Serra Branca), Pectoral Antwren (1 pair right at the coordinate near km 20), Red-shouldered Spinetail (5+ near Canudos), Stripe-breasted Starthroat (2 near km 20), Barred Antshrike (small numbers seen and more heard, split by some authors as Caatinga Barred Antshrike), White-naped Jay (a few near Canudos), Spotted Piculet (2 near km 20)Long-billed Wren (1 near Canudos), Caatinga Cacholote (good numbers near Canudos), Wing-banded Hornero (a few near km 20), Cactus Parakeet (a few near Canudos), Campo Troupial (10+ near Canduso), Red-cowled Cardinal (fairly common).

Michelin Ecological Reserve

A few kilometers south of Itubera along the BR-650 the Michelin car tyre company has a private ecological reserve within its extensive rubber plantations. To bird this reserve we made prior arrangements with the Reserve Manager, Kevin Flesher (kevinmflesher yahoo com br), who speaks English. A Michelin worker/guide is obligatory and necessary to take you to the tapaculo site. It was not a bird guide but he guided us through the plantations and showed us the tapaculo site: a marshy area at -13.854306, -39.245917.

An area which can be birded without prior permit is close the the signposted Pancada Grande Waterfall. The steps go all the way up and continue as a eco-trail through the forest. We birded this trail only around noon (-13.784556, -39.174444).

Highlights: Bahia Tapaculo (1 seen and 2 others heard), Yellow-faced Siskin (a pair seen foraging in the plantations at -13.840389, -39.192028 - a great bonus), Bahia Spinetail (1 skulking bird taped in near the tapaculo site), Black-cheeked Gnateater (1 seen near the waterfall), Sombre Hummingbird (3 birds), Cactus Parakeet (2).

Boa Nova

In the near vicinity of the little town of Boa Nova a lot of good birds can be found. The first site consists of some good caatinga patches. From Boa Nova take the BA-030 westwards for less than 1 km, turn right on a dirt track at -14.365139, -40.219472 and continue for 4-5 kms untill you reach some antennas. We birded the caatinga along the path on the right (-14.342639, -40.246361).

The second site is a more lush/wet forest. Take the BA-030 eastwards from Boa Nova towards Dario Meira and follow it for ca 9 km. Take the dirt road left (-14.411611, -40.138000) and follow it for 1,5 km where you see a marshy area and a gate (-14.421167, -40.124028). At dusk we waited here to see the roding snipes. We also entered the gate, followed the path for a while and explored the entire area making use of several side paths (-14.419389, -40.121472)...

Highlights: Slender Antbird (5+ seen and more heard at the caatinga site), Narrow-billed Antwren (5+ seen and more heard at the caatinga site), Bahia Tyrannulet (1 bird in a mixed species flock at the edge of the wet forest, near the given coordinate), Bahia Spinetail (2 along the jaap track towards the wet forest), Buff-throated Purpletuft (1 at the edge of the wet forest, sometimes split as Bahia Purpletuft), Rio de Janeiro Antbird (1 along the jeep track towards the wet forest), White-bibbed Antbird (4 in the wet forest), White-browed Antpitta (1 seen and 1 heard at the caatinga site), Ferruginous Antbird (2 in the wet forest), Ochre-rumped Antbird (at least 1 in the wet forest), Scaled Antbird (small numbers in the wet forest), Striated Softtail (2 in the wet forest), Hangnest Tody-Tyrant (5+ seen and more heard at the caatinga site), Giant Snipe (2 seen roding and 1 heard at dusk, the next day 1 flushed, all in the marshy area near the gate to the wet forest, right at the coordinate), Golden-chevroned Tanager (3 birds in total along the jeep track towards the wet forest), Frilled Coquette (1), Stripe-breasted Starthroat (1), Blue-winged Macaw (small numbers), Caatinga Antwren (small numbers at the caatinga site), Gilt-edged Tanager (good numbers in the wet forest), Dubois's Seedeater (tow singles), Gray-headed Tody-Flycatcher (1), Pin-tailed Manakin (2 in the wet forest), Rufous-headed Tanager (up to 3 daily), Sombre Hummingbird (1), Spotted Piculet (3), Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (2 seen and more heard at the caatinga site), Planalto Slaty-Antshrike (a few seen and more heard at the caatinga site), Cactus Parakeet (5+ at the caatinga site), Red-cowled Cardinal (a few), Campo Troupial (a few).

Serra Bonita Reserva

This nature reserve is privately owned by Vitor Becker and his wife and is part of the Instituto Uiraçu, a local conservation organisation. We made a reservation by e-mail (becker.vitor gmail com) on beforehand to stay in the Serra Bonita Lodge. About 75 km south of Itabuna along the BR-101 take the turn-off to Camacan. After crossing the city take the dirt road towards Jacareci. It was a bit difficult to get directions, so the coordinates to get the correct road are: -15.416944, -39.501417. After a bit less than 10 km there is a signposted entrance road (-15.378750, -39.543583). As the road is very steep at some points and slippery when raining the Vitor can pick you up. The lodge itself is lovely situated in the middle of the forest and most good species can be seen almost from the balcony (-15.391889, -39.564722).

Highlights: Pink-legged Graveteiro (2 and 1 birds both in mixed species flocks), Sharp-billed Treehunter (undescribed subspecies: 1 in a large mixed flock near the lodge), Plumbeous Antvireo (a pair near the lodge), Salvadori's Antwren (1 along the entrance road), Gray-headed Tody-Flycatcher (2 near the lodge), Rufous-headed Tanager (5+), Azure-shouldered Tanager (3+ near the lodge), Brazilian Ruby (1 bird visited the feeders), Sombre Hummingbird (1 at the feeders), Pallid Spinetail (1 in a mixed species flock), Scaled Woodcreeper (1 along the entrance road).

Veracel Private Reserve

This reserve is privately owned by the Veracel Cellulose company but can be birded without permit. Most of the target species can be seen along the public road. From Porto Seguro take the BR-367 west towards Eunápolis and after ca 15 km there is a signposted turn-off to the right to Estaçao Veracel (-16.396472, -39.182500). After 1,5 km you pass the head quarters, continue a ca 300m and keep left on the main road towards a signposted fazenda. Roadside birding can be done all along this sandy dirt road for about 10 km. At ca 4 km there is a good clearing to spot the cotinga (-16.358306, -39.135944).

Highlights: Banded Cotinga (1 perched male seen in the open area at about 4 km, right at the given coordinate), White-winged Cotinga (daily 5-10 ), Bahia Antwren (2 birds in a mixed species flock), White-necked Hawk (1 bird soaring overhead near the cotinga spot), Harpy Eagle (1 adult bird seen flying), Yellow-eared Woodpecker (3+), Plain Parakeet (3), Band-tailed Antwren (2), Sombre Hummingbird (4), Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike (good numbers), Bare-throated Bellbird (1 female), Pin-tailed Manakin (1).

Balbina Forest (Reserva Mata do Passarinho)

This reserve is owned by Fundação Biodiversitas and in order to visit the site we made prior arrangements via Alexandre Enout (alexandre biodiversitas org br). Balbina Forest lies between Macarani and Almenara. As we came from the coast we followed the BA-270 westwards until we reached Macarani and took the dirt road to the small village of Bandeira where we spent the night. In the morning we drove back towards Macarani. At 14 km there is a large isolated tree on the right (-15.784361, -40.548500) where we opened the fence and took the dirt road to the right. We passed another gate and after that we kept left on a junction. Continuing the main jeep track (no problem wih with our regular car) we parked at the house of our pre-arranged guide Bill (-15.790778, -40.525528). He guided us all the way through the forest to the bristlefront site, where we had immediate success (-15.806167, -40.517556).

Highlights: Stresemann's Bristlefront (3 birds readily seen and 1 other heard, all right at the coordinate), Three-toed Jacamar (a pair near the warden's house), Striated Softtail (1 near the warden's house), Fork-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant (3 ex in a bamboo patch near the bristlefront site), Oustalet's Tyrannulet (1 bird only), Salvadori's Antwren (3 birds), Rufous-tailed Antbird (1), Rio de Janeiro Antbird (3 seen and a few more heard), Scalloped Antbird (a pair), White-bibbed Antbird (small numbers), White-collared Foliage-gleaner (c5), Saffron Toucanet (2 birds), Yellow-eared Woodpecker (1), Pallid Spinetail (1), Spot-breasted Antvireo (several seen and more heard), Gray-headed Tody-Flycatcher (2), Pin-tailed Manakin (2 seen and a few more heard), Gilt-edged Tanager (small numbers), Red-cowled Cardinal (1), Campo Troupial (1).

Bom Jezus de Lapa

This site was mentioned in Albano's article in Neotropical Birding. From Bom Jezus de Lapa we continued along the BR-349 westwards. About 1 km passed further there is a very large bridge over the Rio Sao Francisco. Immediately when we reached the other side we took right and then right again, driving underneath the bridge. This quickly leads to a restaurant/bar at the riverside. From here we strolled along the river. At dusk we waited at an open spot to scan for Nighthawks (-13.266075, -43.441122). Local people warned us that is place might be a bit unsafe after dark...

Highlights: Bahian Nighthawk (more than 10 birds were seen hawking over the river just before dusk), Campo Troupial (a few).

Caetité

In Albano's article this relatively unknown site is mentioned as well. We carefully followed the directions. We took the BR-030 out of Caetité westwards towards Guanambi. After about 3,5 km there is dirt road to the left (-14.063583, -42.522667). When staying on the 'main road' you will reach the village of Brejinho das Ametistas. Pass straight through it and continue for about 3 km where you can take a dirt road to the left (-14.287833, -42.533833). After ca 400m you reach a forest patch for the tyrannulet (-14.289583, -42.530917).

We also went for the foliage-gleaner gallery forest described by Albano. If you continue the above mentioned dirt road and keep right you will eventually reach a T-junction after ca 2,5 km. Take right here and follow for about 1,5 km. Take a jeep track to the right here (-14.297889, -42.5089176) and follow it all the way down to the gallery forest (-14.311417, -42.520694). No sign of the foliage-gleaner though... This site might be easier accessible if you study the google maps images on beforehand.

Highlights: Minais Gerais Tyrannulet (5+ right at the coordinate), Scaled Woodcreeper (3 birds at the tyrannulet site, sometimes split as Wagler's Woodcreeper), Hangnest Tody-Tyrant (3+), Frilled Coquette (1), Spotted Piculet (1), Gray-headed Spinetail (3 seen and more heard), Caatinga Antwren (a few), Great Xenops (2), Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (4+), Planalto Slaty-Antshrike (5+), Dubois's Seedeater (3+).

Chapada Diamantina National Park

This well-known national park comprises several sites whit different habitat and bird species. The first one we visited, as we camo from the south, was the Ibicoara area. Coming from the from Barra da Estiva along the BR-142, take the 2nd (tarmac) road towards Ibicoara (-13.441167, -41.400611). After a bit more than 7 km you cross a bridge. Park here and descend towards the stream. The first bird we saw was the tapaculo (-13.436278, -41.338639).

We followed directions given by Jacob and continued along the same road towards Ibicoara. A few kms before the town there is a hilltop on the left with some good rocky cerrado patches left. We walked alon the dirt track on the left (-13.444750, -41.292306) until we had the Sincora Antwren at -13.443639, -41.289472.

Near Mucugê we birded two other areas. The first is a spot with some good cerrado vegetation. Along the BR-142 take the dirt road left about 19 km from Mucugê (-13.062500, -41.484472). We followed it for about 3 km and readily saw most of our target species (-13.080500, -41.504278). On the way towards Lençois about ca 3 km north of Mucugê there is a pass where there should be another spot for the Sicora Antwren. We birded the dirt track to the left (-12.989917, -41.349056).

Close to Lençois we birded a lush/wet forest. To reach this drive north from Lençois towards the BR-242 and take the dirt road right at ca 4 km (-12.544611, -41.369583). Then take right and right again and follow it for a few hundred meters. We birded the main track ad some sidetraks in this area (-12.569000, -41.366889).

The very scenic and touristic Morro do Pai Ignacio allows superb panoramic views and sunset pictures, but it is also the most accessible site to see the visorbearer. From the Lençois junction take the BR-242 westwards for about 11 km where there is a signposted turn-ff for Morro do Pai Ignacio (-12.459472, -41.477972). At the end of this dirt road you there is a parking area and you can climb up towards the cross on top of the rock. This is were the visorbearers can be seen (-12.457389, -41.472944).

In the north-western part some good caatinga habitat can be birded. About 30 km west of the Lençois junction, take the road left towards Palmeiras, drive through the village and continue southwards. At the junction take right (-12.531136, -41.569500). We followed this road for about 1 km and birded from the first bridge onwards (-12.543333, -41.575583).

Highlights: Sao Francisco Sparrow (a pair in the Palmeiras area), Hooded Virsorbearer (3 birds at Morro do Pai Ignacio), Diamantina Tapaculo (2 birds seen and 1 heard right at the bridge near Ibicoara), Sincora Antwren (1 female near Ibicoara and a pair in the Mucugê area), Rufous-sided Pygmy-Tyrant (), Scarlet-throated Tanager (a group of 12 birds in the Palmeiras area), Yellow-legged Tinamou (3 birds heard in the Lençois area), Gray-backed Tachuri (1 in the Mucugê cerrado), Rufous-sided Pygmy-Tyrant (2 in the Mucugê cerrado), Velvety Black-Tyrant (a pair at Mooro do Pai Ignacio), Pale-throated Pampa-Finch (4 seen and more heard at Morro do Pai Ignacio), Broad-tipped Hermit (singles both the Mucugê and the Palmeiras area), Stripe-breasted Starthroat (1 bird in the Palmeiras area), White-banded Tanager (2 in the Mucugê cerrado), Caatinga Antwren, (2+ near Palmeiras), Spotted Piculet (singles in the Mucugê and Palmeiras area), Gray-headed Spinetail (2 near Mucugê), Caatinga Cacholote (2 in the Lençoius area), Planalto Slaty-Antshrike (small numbers in the Mucugê and Lençois area), Rufous-headed Tanager (1 near Lençois), White-throated Seedeater (5+ near Lençois), White-naped Jay (daily small numbers), Campo Troupial (2+ near Lençois), Cactus Parakeet (daily good numbers), Red-cowled Cardinal (small numbers).