Birds of the Amazon: Discover the Most Fascinating Species and Where to Spot Them
- Lábia Comunicação
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Explore the incredible diversity of Amazonian birds with Uakari Lodge in the Mamirauá Reserve. Learn about iconic species, birdwatching tips, and how to experience nature in a sustainable way.
The Amazon is one of the richest ecosystems on the planet, home to an astonishing variety of birds. In this comprehensive guide, discover the most emblematic species, their unique traits, and how Uakari Lodge offers an immersive birdwatching experience. Learn about the best places and seasons for bird sightings and how to take part in sustainable tourism that supports conservation in the largest protected flooded forest area in Brazil.
Located within the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, Uakari Lodge offers an immersive experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, combining comfort and sustainability. The unique characteristics of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve—an immense area of protected floodplain forest—make it an excellent location for spotting birds that are typical of this ecosystem. Several species can only be seen, for example, on islands in the Solimões River.
Meet 8 Iconic Amazon Birds
1 - Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa)
Known locally as mutum-piuri, this species is also called the wattled curassow. It’s a very special bird, found in the western Amazon and closely tied to the floodplain environments. Unfortunately, it’s endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. It is the bird that attracts the most birdwatchers to Uakari Lodge, but spotting it requires attention—they are shy and take flight at the slightest sign of people.
2 - Slate-colored Hawk (Buteogallus schistaceus)
A forest species usually found near water, making it relatively easy to spot in Mamirauá, especially along the trails. Its scientific name is intriguing: from the Greek buteo = vulture and gallus = domestic rooster, and from Latin schistaceus = slate gray, meaning gray-slate vulture-rooster.
3 - Masked Crimson Tanager (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
An Amazonian species that lives near rivers and lakes. Often seen in pairs or small groups.
4 - Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
A highly symbolic bird commonly seen in large numbers in Mamirauá during both the wet and dry seasons. Traveling by boat or canoe through the channels and paranãs, you’ll likely encounter groups of this unique species, known for its plant-based diet aided by symbiotic bacteria in its crop, and claws on its wings, reminiscent of the extinct Archaeopteryx.
5 - Plum-throated Cotinga (Cotinga maynana)
A striking frugivorous species that lives in the forest canopy. Found in the western Amazon, in the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Acre, as well as in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. In Mamirauá, it inhabits river islands and is considered one of the most challenging birds to spot.
6 - Agami Heron (Agamia agami)
One of the most beautiful birds in the Amazon. Unlike other herons that frequent the banks of rivers and streams, the Agami Heron is more elusive. In Mamirauá, it can be seen when water levels are receding and during the dry season.
7 - Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscripitus)
With the typical toucan-like bill, this bird surprises many: aracaris, like toucans, are omnivores and also eat small vertebrates, birds, and their eggs.
8 - Large-billed Tern (Phaetusa simplex)
Common along river beaches, this species is known for its large flocks during the dry season.
Other noteworthy species include: Zigzag Heron (Zebrilus undulatus), Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), White-bellied Spinetail (Cranioleuca vulpecula), White-bellied Tody-Tyrant (Mazaria propinqua), Blackish-gray Antshrike (Thamniphilus cryptoleucus), and Black-and-white Antbird (Myrmochanes hemileucus).
Birdwatching Tour: A Deep Dive into the World of Amazonian Birds
For bird lovers, the Uakari Lodge Birdwatching Tour is an unmissable experience. This four-night program offers a complete immersion into the Amazon’s biodiversity, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich birdlife in a unique and engaging way.
4 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration
Transfer from Tefé to Uakari Lodge. Check-in and lunch. After a rest, a boat ride for orientation along the Apara channel. Dinner. Presentation about the Mamirauá Reserve, the Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Uakari Lodge Community-Based Tourism Project.
Day 2: Morning Trails
Morning hike or canoe trip. Lunch and rest. In the afternoon, another trail experience (on foot or by canoe). Dinner. Night tour (trail or boat).
Day 3: Visit to Mamirauá Lake
We’ll explore one of 14 possible trails (on foot or by canoe). Lunch and rest. Boat ride on Mamirauá Lake with wildlife spotting on the way back. Dinner and free evening.
Day 4: Riverbank Birdwatching
Morning tour along the banks of the Solimões and Japurá rivers. Lunch and rest. Afternoon trail or canoe tour. Dinner. Meet a local researcher.
Day 5: Farewell
Breakfast and check-out. Transfer to Tefé in time for your flight.
Other emblematic animals that can be spotted during tours include: jaguars, caimans, pink river dolphins, arapaima (pirarucu), and various species of primates such as the howler monkey and the white uacari monkey.
Differences Between the Wet and Dry Seasons
Since the landscape in Mamirauá changes so much throughout the year, the itinerary is adapted to the water level to ensure visitors make the most of their stay. The birdwatching package also allows for flexibility based on guests’ preferences. Ecotourism guides and local hosts will organize tours according to the species and habitats each visitor is most interested in.
During the wet season (May to July), the best sightings are done by canoe, sometimes paddled, sometimes motorized. With the trails flooded, tours are conducted close to the treetops, where birds are perched or in flight nearby. In the dry season (August to April), birds that feed on fish along the lakeshores, such as herons, can be seen in large numbers. The flocks in flight are truly breathtaking.
Uakari Lodge: Your Immersion in the Amazon
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Amazon that offers comfort, consciousness, and immersive experiences, Uakari Lodge is the ideal choice. A floating lodge in the forest, internationally recognized for its sustainable tourism model and biodiversity conservation, run by local communities.
Why Uakari Lodge is the best option for your stay in the Amazon:
Strategic Location: In the heart of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, a biodiversity sanctuary
Sustainable Accommodation: A floating lodge designed to minimize environmental impact
Community-Based Tourism: Managed by the local riverine community
Authentic Experiences: Immersive forest activities, like the Birdwatching Tour, with local and responsible guides
Ready for your immersion in the world of Amazonian birds? Visit our website and start planning your trip with us!
To book your stay, click here and follow the simple step-by-step guide we created.
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