Chaco Birding in Brazil: The Biogeographic Frontier

Few birdwatchers know that Brazil has Chaco. Even fewer have been there. For those seeking species that don't appear in any other Brazilian destination, this is the place.

What is the Brazilian Chaco

In the far southwest of Mato Grosso do Sul, near Porto Murtinho, Brazil meets the Chaco — a biome that extends through Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, but in Brazil occupies a narrow and little-explored strip.

With vegetation adapted to climatic extremes, dry forests and thorny formations, the Chaco presents a landscape completely different from the neighbouring Cerrado and Pantanal. It is in this uniqueness that the interest for birdwatchers lies.

Exclusive species

The Brazilian Chaco hosts species that are rarely or never recorded in other Brazilian destinations:

Many-colored Chaco Finch (Saltatricula multicolor) — Multicoloured plumage that contrasts with the Chaco's arid vegetation.

Black-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus schulzi) — A dry forest specialist, difficult to find elsewhere.

White-banded Mockingbird (Mimus triurus) — Complex vocalisations and striking territorial behaviour.

The field experience

Chaco expeditions depart from Porto Murtinho, on the banks of the Paraguay River. The terrain is more challenging than the Cerrado and Pantanal: dense and thorny vegetation, intense heat and dirt roads that can be difficult during the rainy season.

The dry season (July to October) is the recommended period, when access is easier and many species display breeding behaviour.

Combining itineraries

The great advantage of using Bonito as a base is the possibility of combining the Chaco with the Cerrado and Pantanal on the same trip. In 5 to 7 days, it is possible to record birds from three completely different biomes — something few destinations in the world can offer.