Birdwatching in Brazil
Private & small groups Expert biologist guide 600+ species recorded
Guided birdwatching tours in Brazil
Bird Bonito runs private, guided birdwatching tours across three of Brazil's richest biomes — the Pantanal, the Cerrado around Bonito (Mato Grosso do Sul, MS) and the Brazilian Chaco. Led by biologist and Cadastur-certified guide Lucas Yanai, our small-group expeditions have recorded 600+ species, from the Hyacinth Macaw and Jabiru of the Pantanal to the endemic Blaze-winged Parakeet and Chaco specialities. Whether you are planning your first birding trip to Brazil or chasing target species, we tailor each itinerary to your dates, pace and lifelist.
Read our guides: Birdwatching in the Pantanal · Birdwatching in Bonito, MS
Three biomes, endless possibilities
On a single journey, explore three distinct biomes, discover unique endemic species, and experience local cultures that turn every landscape into an unforgettable experience.
Species that make each tour unforgettable
Bonito occupies a privileged position on the biodiversity map. Here, the Cerrado meets the Pantanal, the inland Atlantic Forest and the Chaco, creating a mosaic of habitats rarely found in a single destination. This convergence of biomes turns every trail, road or bend in the way into a new opportunity to spot emblematic and endemic species, in landscapes that change before your eyes.
Amazonian Motmot
Momotus momota
A flagship species of Bird Bonito and an emblematic bird of the region, it inhabits forests and the banks of crystal-clear rivers.
Chaco Puffbird
Nystalus striatipectus
One of the region’s jewels, endemic and highly charismatic.
Blaze-winged Parakeet
Pyrrhura devillei
An endemic parakeet species, colourful and extremely social. Together, these traits make it an important species for birdwatching.
Orange-backed Troupial
Icterus croconotus
Striking vocalisations, coloration, behaviour and habits: this is how the species is known to observers who encounter it in the field.
Chaco Chachalaca
Ortalis canicollis
Known as the Pantanal’s alarm clock, this bird is characteristic of the grasslands and woodlands of Bonito; its endemism and distinctive traits attract observers from all over the world.
Hyacinth Macaw
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
The largest macaw in the world is found here, with a powerful, distinctive call and an equally formidable beak.
Red-and-green Macaw
Ara chloropterus
The second largest macaw found in the region. It can be seen in pairs or in large flocks with dozens of individuals.
Jabiru
Jabiru mycteria
A symbolic bird of the Pantanal and the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, a tall species that can reach up to 1.60 metres in height.
Mato Grosso Antbird
Cercomacra melanaria
Notable vocalisations and a bird that is difficult to photograph due to staying among branches and leaves along Pantanal riverbanks, traits that drive birdwatchers to seek the best possible record.
Yellow-billed Cardinal
Paroaria capitata
A bird that belongs to a well-known group among birdwatchers, related to the red-cowled cardinal, yet with unique behaviour and distinctive details.
Bat Falcon
Falco rufigularis
A bird with hunting behaviour specialised in pursuit and high-speed flight.
Greater Rhea
Rhea americana
The largest and heaviest bird in Brazil, with curious reproductive behaviour and grassland habits.
King Vulture
Sarcoramphus papa
The largest and most powerful vulture found in Brazil; despite its name, this species is evolutionarily close to Andean condors.
Great Rufous Woodcreeper
Xiphocolaptes major
An imposing presence of one of the largest woodcreepers, with vocalisations that open the mornings and close the days in the Cerrado of Bonito.
Spectacled Owl
Pulsatrix perspicillata
Powerful and striking, this owl inhabits the forests of the Cerrado around Bonito, making nocturnal outings even more appealing to birdwatchers.
Pearly-vented Tody-tyrant
Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
One of the beloved species among birdwatchers who seek small and challenging birds to observe.
Golden-green Woodpecker
Piculus chrysochloros
A dominant bird that marks its territory with frequent drumming and loud vocalisations.
Simple, direct, well-planned
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Real field experiences
"An extremely knowledgeable guide, both about the area and the trails we walked, with a deep command of birdwatching. The itinerary was planned around the target species I mentioned beforehand, which made all the difference. An excellent experience — I would definitely book again!"
— Guilherme M · via Tripadvisor
"Lucas is the best guide in Bonito/Bodoquena: he explains the local and migratory birds and has broad knowledge of the fauna and flora, not only of Mato Grosso do Sul but nationally. I recommend his work with my eyes closed."
— Gabriela J · via Tripadvisor
Birdwatching in Brazil: frequently asked questions
Where is the best birdwatching in Brazil?
Brazil is one of the world's top birding destinations, with over 1,900 species. Some of the most rewarding and accessible birdwatching is in Mato Grosso do Sul, where the Pantanal, the Cerrado around Bonito and the Brazilian Chaco meet — letting you combine three biomes and 600+ species with Bird Bonito.
When is the best time for birdwatching in the Pantanal?
The dry season, roughly July to October, is the best time for birdwatching in the Pantanal: receding waters concentrate birds and wildlife, making species such as the Hyacinth Macaw and Jabiru easier to find. We run guided Pantanal expeditions of 1 to 4 days during this window.
Is Bonito, MS good for birdwatching?
Yes. Bonito (MS) sits at a crossroads of the Cerrado, Pantanal, inland Atlantic Forest and Chaco, so birdwatching in Bonito can produce a remarkable variety of species in a small area — including endemics like the Blaze-winged Parakeet — with excellent tourism infrastructure and an airport 15 minutes from town.
Do I need a guide for birdwatching in Brazil?
A specialised local guide dramatically increases your sightings and safety. Bird Bonito is led by biologist Lucas Yanai, with 18+ years of field experience, fluent English and deep knowledge of target species, calls and the best sites across the Pantanal, Bonito and the Chaco.
Plan your Brazil birding trip today
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