Nine-day Minas Gerais Cerrado and Forest Birding

Three contrasting bases structure this nine-day circuit through Minas Gerais. Begin with three nights near Serra da Canastra, continue for three nights at Serra do Cipó, and finish with two nights at the Caraça monastery. The route starts and ends at Belo Horizonte Airport and combines river corridors, open Cerrado, upland grassland and patches of Atlantic Forest.

At Canastra, clear rivers are central to the search for Brazilian Merganser. Birding also reaches higher savannas and lower forest, using four-wheel-drive transport inside the national park. Collared Crescentchest, Helmeted Manakin, Curl-crested Jay and Cock-tailed Tyrant are among the possibilities. Giant Anteater, Maned Wolf and Pampas Deer may also be encountered, though wildlife observations depend on conditions.

Serra do Cipó changes the emphasis to upland specialties and a wider mix of habitats. Hyacinth Visorbearer, Blue Finch and Horned Sungem are among the birds sought within the park. Nearby dry woodland adds a different search, while grassland and Atlantic Forest fragments on the eastern side offer possibilities such as Marsh Tapaculo, Rock Tapaculo and Gilt-edged Tanager. Two full days follow the transfer here, allowing time to explore beyond one habitat.

The last base is Santuário do Caraça. Birding within the reserve can produce forest species including Serra Antwren, Rufous-capped Motmot, Robust Woodpecker and Giant Antshrike. One evening is devoted to trying for Rusty-barred and Tawny-browed Owls. There may also be an opportunity to see Maned Wolves visiting the monastery; neither owls nor wolves are assured.

Tours can be arranged throughout the year, with June through October recommended. The arrangement includes a bilingual local birding guide, the described outings, ground transport, full-board lodging, park and reserve admissions, local guides where needed and mineral water. Meals run from lunch on the first day through lunch on the ninth. The current ground price, departure dates and group size are arranged for the requested trip.