White-browed Antpitta (Hylopezus ochroleucus) - 08Feb2026

This Antpitta like most of them can be tricky to see.  We got to see one after much peering through dense underbrush to a bird that was singing from a perch.  I think I was the only one that came away with a camera shot, as I had switched to manual focus and just kept spraying the area until I got it.  Camera autofocus does not like dense shrubbery.  The White-browed Antpitta is endemic to a relatively small area in eastern Brazil, and is only regularly seen from a small group of sites including Sitio Pau Preto in Potengi which is where we saw this one.  So I am not sure why it is in the "Least Concern" category.

Great Xenops (Megaxenops parnaguae) - 08Feb2026

The Great Xenops is a Brazilian endemic that is monotypic, meaning it is the only member of its genus. It is found in eastern Brazil including a good portion of Ceará state which is where I saw this one.  We had only one while visiting Sitio Pau Preto in Potengi.  It is interesting that this is one of many birds in Brazil that was initially listed as threatened, probably mainly because they were not often seen.  However, as birding has become more popular, range maps are expanding which causes the birds to be uplisted to Least Concern categories.  Clearly these and many other species of the Caatinga forests are experiencing rapid deforestation and are under threat despite IUCN classification.

Red-shouldered Spinetail (Synallaxis hellmayri) - 08Feb2026

This Brazilian endemic has a relatively small range in eastern Brazil and is quite skulky.  We were at Sitio Pau Preto in Potengi, trying in some thick undergrowth to see one that was calling and walked away very frustrated.  This was one of those birds I was convinced I would miss my opportunity to get a decent picture.  Then as we were walking back, Sherry had to commune with a bush for a minute so we stopped and waited.   While she was around the corner doing her business, she spotted a pair of these birds being much more forthcoming and called us over.  There is something about relieving yourself that brings out the birds.  Maybe letting your guard down is what causes the birds to lose inhibitions.  Anyhow, thanks to Sherry for heeding the call of nature.

Bahia Wagtail-Tyrant (Stigmatura bahiae) - 08Feb2026

There are three species in the Wagtail-Tyrant genus Stigmatura, but some authorities have them lumped into one.  The Bahia flavor is endemic to eastern Brazil in Ceara and Bahia states.  We saw ours at the famous Sitio Pau Preto in Potengi.

Dark-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus melacoryphus) - 08Feb2026

This is one of the 13 species of new world Cuckoos in the Coccyzus genus which should not be confused with the 11 species of Cuckoos in the old world Cuculus genus.  Dark-billed Cuckoos inhabit a large range across much of South America including some islands offshore like the Galapagos. It does have a tendency to wander probably due to some of the populations being migratory.  It has been recorded in Texas.  Apparently they are common, but I have only seen this one at the famous Sitio Pau Preto in Potengi, Brazil.  I am sure I will get more opportunities to improve pics on this one.

Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin (Neopelma pallescens) - 11Feb2026

This drab looking Manakin is almost totally endemic to Brazil but there are a few records in Guiana and Bolivia.  It does have a fairly large range, but we only saw it in two locations on my second trip to Brazil.  It is in a genus of 5 other similarly drab birds, at least from a Manakin perspective. 

Araripe Manakin (Chiroxiphia bokermanni) - 09Feb2026

This was the main target of our second trip to Brazil, partially because of how rare it is but also because it is striking and has a cool story.  It was only "discovered" in 1996 and scientifically described in 1998.  This "discovery" was not some split from another similar looking species, it is totally unique in its appearance.  It simply flew under the radar because it has a very small range and people just were not looking for birds there.  Initially upon discovery it was thought to be almost extinct with only 50 birds, but since then surveys have been more promising with an estimate of about 500 pairs.  Most of the known breeding population is found in the middle of a Theme Park (think water slides and rides) which is a bit alarming, but they have actually done a good job of protecting and promoting this bird.

We found this female on nest!

The range map from Wiki shows how limited this bird is in distribution.