Birds in the Amazon Rainforest

For many decades ornithologists and nature lovers from all over the world have traveled to South America to observe the richness and color of the numerous species of birds in the Amazon rainforest.

This is not a free training: as early as 1970, the Swiss-American ornithologist Rodolphe Meyer of Schauensee assured in his work "A guide to the birds of South America" ​​(A guide to the birds of South America) that there was no region in the world with as many species of birds as in the Amazon.

And even so, making a complete catalog of all the birds that inhabit this part of the world is a complex task. It is estimated that in the entire region (which includes much of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and other states), the total figure would be around 1.300 species. Of these, about half would be endemic.

In order to reach this conclusion, the statistics on the number of birds in the Amazon rainforest managed by different organizations have been taken as a basis. Some of these species are only found in certain regional habitats, while others are more or less homogeneously distributed throughout the Amazon.

Here is a sample of the most representative birds in the Amazon rainforest:

Raptors

The Amazon region is home to various species of raptors unique in the world. The best known is the Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), which is currently threatened with extinction. However, it can still be found in Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Venezuela, Peru, Suriname, French Guyana, southeastern Brazil, and northern Argentina.

With almost two meters of wingspan, it is one of the largest eagles in the world. Its gray, white and black plumage is, together with its peculiar crest, its main distinguishing feature.

Other typical birds of prey of this region are the cryptic hawk (micrastur mintori) nor spectacled owl (Pulstrix perspicillata).

Hummingbirds and small birds

The largest group of birds in the Amazon rainforest is undoubtedly the small birds, singing or not. Among them there are some very representative species such as hummingbird topaz (topaz pella), with its long tail and fast flapping. This beautiful bird has brilliantly colored plumage and uses its fine beak to suck pollen from flowers. It is widely distributed throughout the region.

There are many more small birds in the Amazon, an immense catalog. To cite one of the best known, we will mention the red nuthatch (Dendrocolaptes picummus), which is a kind of woodpecker. Special mention for a medium-sized, but very exotic and popular bird: the toucan (Ramphastos played), very recognizable by its huge beak.

Gallinaceae and mallards

There are many other birds in the Amazon rainforest that will surprise us. Species of the gallinaceae family have sturdy legs, short beaks, and are generally unable to fly or are only capable of short flights at low altitudes.

In this category stands out the camungo (anhima cornuta), a turkey-like bird easily recognizable by a small bump that protrudes above its beak.

In a region with as many rivers, channels and lagoons as the Amazon, it is logical to find many birds of the family of the ducks, that is, ducks and the like. The Orinoco goose or wigeon duck They are two very typical species, without forgetting the peccary, a wild duck with very colorful plumage.

Parrots and Macaws

This kind of bird is undoubtedly the first that comes to mind when we think of the fauna of the Amazon. There are many species of macaws, of various sizes and physical characteristics. The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus Hyacinthinus), also known as the blue macaw, is probably the most popular. It has a lively, predominantly blue plumage, with golden feathers on the chin. Unfortunately, it is a critically endangered species.

Another very striking species is the green wing macaw (ara chloroptera), which can be found in various parts of the Amazon region. These animals are distinguished by the strength of their beaks, their intelligence and their longevity, since they can live 60 years or more.

Scavenger birds

Carrion bird species, which feed on the remains of other dead animals. You can also find this type of bird in the Amazon rainforest. Among them, there is one that stands out above the rest: the king vulture (sarcoramphus papa). It is not a particularly graceful animal because of the colored spots and outgrowths that spoil its face.

However, it must be recognized that, like its Andean relative the CondorIt has a certain aristocratic air that makes it especially attractive. Depending on the area of ​​the Amazon in which it lives, this bird receives different names, such as jungle condor o king zamuro.