Are you a bird lover and curious about some rare birds? Although they are difficult to locate and see in the wild, this animal can be found in abundance in Brazil, thanks to the enormous biodiversity present in the country’s fauna and flora.
Below, we have prepared a list of five of these birds for you to learn about. Learn all about the characteristics, habits, and behaviors of these free and intelligent little animals.
First of all: what are rare birds?
Rare birds are classified as such precisely because they are species that are difficult to find in nature. Many of them are at high risk of extinction in their natural habitats and are at risk of disappearing completely due to factors such as animal trafficking, climate change, and illegal hunting.
The difference between exotic and rare birds is that the first group is made up of species that are not native to Brazil. In the second group, what experts analyze is not the origin of the bird, but rather its prevalence in nature.
If a bird can only be found in small groups, in specific environments, or at a specific time of year, it is considered rare by scientists. These species need to be increasingly protected by environmental preservation agencies because they are always at risk of extinction.
The reason why some birds are considered rare may also be related to their habits and behaviors. A bird that has nocturnal habits, for example, is much harder to spot than a diurnal bird. Check out five rare birds below.
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Blood-stained tanager
The Brazilian Tanager ( Ramphocellus bresilia ) is a bird native to Brazil that has historically been considered a symbol of the Atlantic Forest fauna. It represents the biome that occupies the territory of 17 Brazilian states along the coast and inland, starting in Rio Grande do Sul and extending to Piauí.
This little animal is internationally recognized for the beauty of its red plumage, which is the same color as the famous Brazilwood tree, which gave the country its name. Weighing just 30 grams and measuring 19 centimeters long. The bird can be difficult to spot in the wild without the help of specific equipment.
The species lives on the edges of forests and resting areas and feeds on fruits, insects, and worms. In addition, the bird has the habit of traveling in pairs — rather than in larger groups of other individuals of the same species. It is on the list of rare birds because it is found exclusively in Brazilian territory.
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Pepper beak
Have you ever heard of the pepper-billed tern? This bird, which is also known by its scientific name Saltator fuliginosus, is super exuberant and elegant. Its body is made entirely of black down, while its beak is a characteristic, intense red. The little animal is about 22 cm long.
The bird is found in a few states in Brazil (Bahia, Rio Grande do Sul, and Pernambuco), and can also be found in neighboring countries Paraguay and Argentina. Its diet is based on seeds and fruits, and it usually travels in mixed flocks of males and females.
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Monkey-catching hawk
Among the most popular rare birds, the monkey-catching hawk is definitely at the top of the list. As its name suggests, the bird is carnivorous and feeds on mammals, birds, and reptiles. It can reach up to 65 cm in length and weigh over 1 kg. It has a long tail and spade-shaped wings.
The hawk is part of the group known as birds of prey. Which includes hundreds of other carnivorous birds that hunt large vertebrates. It is found in South American countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru, extending to the Caribbean islands and Mexico. It is considered rare because its populations are in decline.
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True Macaw
The blue-and-green macaw is a species of macaw found in the Southeast, Central-West, and Northeast regions of Brazil. Its green color mixed with blue is very characteristic and makes the animal a target for smugglers. It is classified as vulnerable to extinction, which explains why it is so rare.
Interestingly, the blue-fronted macaw has a special preference for living in palm trees and feeding on the fruits of these trees. The 40 cm-long creature has no feathers on some parts of its face and has a striking black beak that contrasts with the color of the rest of its body.
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Hawk-duck
Another species of hawk considered rare by scientists is the duck hawk. Have you ever heard of it? With a body made of white feathers, dark gray wings, and a yellow beak. This 70 cm-long animal certainly looks impressive.
In the wild, it can be found from Mexico to Argentina, but its distribution area is small, making it a very rare bird. The species usually flies very high and dives in a precise flight towards its prey, which is usually mainly birds.
