The Park and its surroundings

 

Intervales State Park, a vital ecological sanctuary managed by the Fundação Florestal, spans approximately 41,700 hectares and was officially established in 1995, although its protective status dates back to 1987. Nestled within the stunning Serra do Mar escarpment, which rises to 3,300 feet, the park is strategically located along the southeastern coast of Brazil. This remarkable region not only serves as a refuge for diverse flora and fauna but also plays a crucial role in preserving the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.

The park is surrounded by several other significant reserves, including Carlos Botelho State Park, Petar, Fazenda Nova Trieste, Xitué, and Nascentes do Paranapanema, which collectively encompass over 150,000 hectares of pristine Atlantic forests. These interconnected areas, referred to as the "Continuum de Paranapiacaba," showcase an impressive altitudinal gradient that ranges from nearly sea level to elevated terrains. This unique geographical feature contributes to a variety of microclimates, fostering an array of habitats that support numerous species, some of which are endemic to this region.

As a protected area, Intervales State Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also a critical site for conservation efforts. The collaborative management of this park and its neighboring reserves highlights the importance of preserving natural landscapes for future generations. Visitors to the park can experience its breathtaking scenery while participating in eco-friendly activities, thus promoting awareness and appreciation for the vital environmental resources that the Atlantic Forest provides. Through ongoing conservation initiatives, Intervales State Park remains a beacon of hope for biodiversity preservation in Brazil. 

    

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The vast expanse of the "Continuum de Paranapiacaba," along with the neighboring reserves that border Intervales, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the park's ecological integrity. Nestled within this rich landscape, Intervales serves as a prime destination for birdwatchers eager to explore the Atlantic Forest Ecosystem. Over 430 bird species have been documented in the park and its surrounding buffer zone, a testament to the effective conservation efforts in place. Additionally, Intervales boasts an impressive network of birdwatching trails, most of which are accessible by 2x4 vehicles at any time. This accessibility enhances Intervales' reputation as one of the most fruitful birding locations in southeastern Brazil. 

Visitors are encouraged to take their time to immerse themselves in the unique rainforest environment, soaking in the diverse sounds and sights that this extraordinary ecosystem has to offer.
 

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Birding Trails


Self-guided Trail

The central area of the Park around the lodges there is a self-guided trail through secondary growth, marsh areas and fishing lakes. There is plenty of good birding in this trail and the following species can be seen: Rusty-barred Owl, Buff-fronted Owl (seeing occasionally), Stygian Owl (seen recently) White-breasted Tapaculo, Araucaria Tit Spinetail, Giant Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, Red-eyed Thornbird, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Red-ruffed Fruit Crow, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Blue-and-orange Tanager (during the winter), Olive-green Tanager, Blue Dacnis and Black-legged Dacnis (nesting every year around the lake).

 

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Mirante Trail

This trail begins just in front Pica-pau Lodge and goes up for 2,5 km, with an altitude varying from 2.800 to 3.000 ft. At the end of the trail is possible to see a beatiful sight of the hilly landscape of the "Continuum de Paranapiacaba". Highlights include White-bearded Antshrike, Bertoni's Antbird, Ferruginous Antbird, Such's Antthrush, Short-tailed Antthrush, Spotted Bamboowren and Atlantic Royal Flycatcher ( nesting by the Lago Negro).

 

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Lageado Trail
The most reliable trail for species suchs as: Blue-bellied Parrot (May/June), Oustalet's Tyrannulet, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Russet-winged Spadebill, Crescent-chested Puffbird.


 

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Carmo Road
Carmo Road is a 35 km driving path, which begins at the central area of the park (2.800 ft. elevation) and ends at Alecrim ranger station (600 ft. elevation), only the first 10 kms of the road can be accessed by 2x4 car, the road goes through well preserved forest, surrounded by Palm trees (Euterpes edulis), and bamboo (Guadua tagoara), attracting a great variety of species such as: Solitary Tinamou,  Mantled Hawk, Black-faced Piping-Guan (most reliable place), Blue-bellied Parrot, Rusty-breasted Nunlet,  Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Helmeted Woodpecker (most reliable place), Slaty Bristlefront, Tufted Antshrike, White-bearded Antshrike, Star-throated Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Squamate Antbird, Such’s Antthrush, Speckle-breasted Antpitta, White-collared Foliage-Gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Oustalet’s Tyrannulet, Brown-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, “Atlantic” Royal Flycatcher, Pin-tailed Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Hooded Berryeater, Cinnamon-vented Piha (common at Carmo), Bare-throated Bellbird (abundant), Brown Tanager, Buffy-fronted and Temminck’s Seedeater, (both abundant when the bamboo is flowering) Red-rumped Cacique and Golden-winged Cacique. 


 

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Barra Grande Road                                                                                                               

Like Carmo Road, Barra Grande Road begins at the central area of the park and ends at São Pedro Nucleus, which is 45 kms from the park's headquaters, only the first 10 km is 2x4 drivable, with a 4x4 car is possible to traverse primary forest for 10 kms (3 km ahead Barra Grande), where  is excellent for birding, especially the first 5 kms. Notable birds include Mantled Hawk, Black-faced Piping-Guan, Rusty-barred Owl, Black-capped Screech-owl Owl, Silky-tailed Nightjar (occasionally seeing), Crescent-chested Puffbird,  Giant Antshrike, Red-ruffed Fruit Crow, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, Azure-throated Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, and Black-legged Dacnis.

 

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Ribeirão Grande Road

This road which links Ribeirão Grande City to Intervales is also good for species which are not common in the park. Spotted Nothura, Small-billed Tinamou, American Kestrel, White-tailed Hawk, Red-legged Seriema, Burrowing Owl, Short-eared Owl (seen occasionally), White-eared Puffbird, Yellowish Pipit (always on the fence post), Gray Monjita (always on the fence post), Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Grassland Yellow-finch, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, White-browed Blackbird, Chestnut-capped Blackbird and Yellow-rumped Marshbird are some of the species you are likely to see on the way to the park.

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Saibadela                                                                                                                               

On the low section of the Park we have one of the best birding site, Saibadela Trail offers the chance to see a high range of lowland birds, located at about 200 ft from sea level and surrounded by a well-preserved forest (Primary Growth mainly), different birds not found on the high section of the Park can be found there, such as: Yellow-legged Tinamou, Chanel-billed Toucan, Blue-bellied Parrot , Brown-backed Parrotlet (occasinally seeing), Black-headed Berryeater (commonly seeing), Azure Jay (commonly seeing), Green Honeycreaper among others. This trail is not generally opened to the public but can be accessed by arrangement in advance.

 

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Birding Guides

Local guides 
In order to access all the trails and find those wanted species, Intervales has three excellent local birding guides to accompany the visitors, they were born and raised in the park and have an unrivalled knowledge of the area, they know the calls and the scientific names of all the birds in the region and where to find them.

• Luis Avelino started working with bird researching in 1987, since then Luis has gathered a great experience.
• Betinho Rodrigues began his career working as birding guide in 2002, he is also a good photographer.
• Gerson Rodrigues guiding since 2015
• Renato Paiva guiding since 2015
• Faustino Avelino has been working as birding guide since 2004, leading people from all around the World.

All the trails except the self-guided trail must be accompanied by a birdwatcher guide from the Park.


*We do recommend that you book the guides in advance.

For more information about fees, booking, guide and acommodation contact us:

Phone: 005515 3542 1511 / 005515 3542 1245

jr.intervalesATgmail.com

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Birding Tower

The Birding Tower at Nascentes do Paranapanema State Park has recently been finished and will soon be opened to the public. It is a great infrastructure to support the practice of birdwatching in the park, where there is great potential to be explored yet.

Surrounded by a beautiful Atlantic Forest, most of it Primary Growth, is a unique project in the region and is located along one of the best birding trails of the park.

 

Horned Screamer in Intervales

Horned Screamer is the new species of wetland bird has been seen recently in one of the lakes of the park, during a birding day promoted on Sunday 21st of July. That's is the first report of the species, and have become one of the new atractions of the park.
   

Horned Screamer (Renato Paiva)

The rarest snake in Intervales

Corallus cropanii is considered the rarest snake in the Atlantic Forest, after 60 years with no record, it was found again on February 2017 in a small comunity on the low section of Intervales State Park.

Crested Eagle at Carmo Road again

Foto uiraçu (Morphnus guianensis) por Gerson Rodrigues (Intervales)

Crested Eagle in Intervales

On September 9th a group of birders from the US along with one of the birding guides of the park, reported a Crested Eagle by the Carmo Road. This was in fact the first report of this species at this trail.

The Crested Eagle has a solitary behaviour, with a declining population due to the habitat loss, this species requires a vast area to live, the Paranapiacaba fragment in São Paulo is one the few places in the Atlantic Forest ecosystem, where this species can be found.

Primary Growth Forest

 

 

The upper Carmo River Trail, is one of the trail that runs by Carmo River crossing a very important fragment of the Primary Growth Forest, one of the best places for Whoolly Spider Monkey, Capuchin Monkey and Brown Howler Monkey,  while visiting pay attention on the ground specially on those overgrown parts,  the good status of the forest makes perfect conditions for those big Fer-de-lance Snakes. 

 

Fig Tree by Carmo River 

 

Fer-de-lance Snake

 

Whooly Spider Monkey (by Zachary Baer)

 

Long-tufted Screech-Owl

 

Long-tufted Screech-Owl is one of the new atractions for night birding, this species was reported few years ago by the researchers, but only in 2015 was confirmed by the birding guides, this species is from the South States of Brazil, not commom in São Paulo State and is very similar to Black-capped Screech-Owl.

 

Long-tufted Screech-Owl (by Renato Paiva)

 

 

New birds on the feeders

 

Two new species of birds are now getting used to the feeders and the presence of the visitors, as the forest around the lodges is regenerating, making a proper habitat for species found only deep in the forest, recently a flock of Spot-winged Woodquail and a Variegated Antpitta have become of the new atraction of the park.   

 

Variegated Antpitta (by Renato Paiva)

Spot-winged Woodquail (by Gilberto Rodrigues)

 

 

Southern Muriqui

 

Carmo Road is without doubt the best birding trail in Intervales, the road used for birding cuts through the forest taking birders to Carmo valley crossing different types of vegetation such as: bamboo, secondary and primary growth. Apart from the birds, if you are lucky you can also see the largest primate in America the famous Southern Muriqui, this species lives in groups in those last remnants of the primary growth of the Atlantic Forest left.

 

 

Southern Muriqui (by José Moreira)

 

Feeder for the Red-and-white Crake

 

One of the best birds photographed this year in Intervales was the Red-and-white Crake, normally they are most heard than seen on the marshland in the central area of the park, After placing a feeder in a clearing by the trail, a pair of them are coming daily, they got very used to the birders when placing the food, as in this picture below, thanks for the great effort of our guides.   

 

Red-and-white Crake (by Renato Paiva)

 

Spadebill at Lageado

 

Russet-winged Spadebill is quite common on the low section of the park, 200 ft elevation seen and heard frequently during the summer, specially Saibadela trail, last October some visitors with the birding guide were lucky to photograph this amaizing bird at Lageado trail around 2700 ft elevation, this species can be easily identified by its call, found only in well-preserved forest most in primary growth.

 

Russet-winged Spadebill (by Renato Paiva)

 

Birding & camping

 

This October we had another motorhome birder from France, this is actually the best way to explore a big country where you have a great variety of environment and birds to see, a 4x4 car can also be very helpful during the raining season in the Atlantic Forest taking you to any trail . 

 

Truck Camper (by junior intervales)

 

Another nest

 

Another nest of the Helmeted Woodpecker was found this October/2013 at Carmo Road, this was the fourth nest of this species reported by the birding guides so far, they usually excavate their nests in Nectranda lanceolata or Schizolobium parahyba, commom trees in this region. The bird can be seem all the Carmo Valley. 

 

Helmeted Woodpecker (by Betinho Rodrigues)

 

Roseate Spoonbill in Intervales

 

Roseate Spoon bill visits the central lake of the park this month, this is not a commom species in the region with few reports since the park was created in 1995, this poor photograph was taken by one of the staff during routine walking by the lake.

 

Spoon bill (by José Vieira)

 

Yellow-legged Tinamou

At the first it looks like Solitary Tinamou eggs, (which is more common in the upper part of the park), except for the size, which is smaller, this Yellow-legged Tinamou nest was found by the Park rangers, at Saibadela Nucleus next to Carlos Botelho State Park. Yellow-legged Tinamou are found only on the lower altitudes, specially in Saibadela Nucleus. According to Birdlife, this species is classified as Near Threatened as population is declining.

 

Birding in South America

 

Our friend Claude and his wife came driving his Camper Toyota Hilux from France to South America, birding in Brazil and other countries too, recently they have arrived in Intervales birded for some weeks while stayed in his nice vehicle, after having a great time in the park, they headed to South Brazil expecting a new adventure.   

 

Truck Camper Toyota Hilux (by junior intervales)

 

Solitary Tinamou Nest

This nest of Solitary Tinamou was found by Mirante Trail during a routine walking, theses impressive eggs are a little bit bigger than a chicken egg, the bird has a similar color to the foliage on the ground making difficult to see it while sitting on a nest, the incubation proccess takes around 28 days. 

  

Tapir

The largest brazilian mammal "Tapir" are pretty common in Paranapiacaba range, especially in primary growth forest, this one below was captured by one of our camera trap, at about 02:00, grazing by the Agua comprida river, next to Carmo Road.

  

Silky-tailed Nightjar

The Silky-tailed Nightjar was seen again at Barra Grande Road, after few years without recording, this Nightjar is easily identified by its remarkable song, and it is one of the most sought-after bird by the visitors. 

Cocoi Heron, Blue-naped Chlorophonia and Chestnut-headed Tanager

A Cocoi Heron was photographed 1.5 km from Intervales headquarters on April 4 th, This species had been seen in Intervales few times but never officially documented.

 

Cocoi Heron (by Renato Paiva)

Another important species seen recently were:  Blue-naped Chlorophonia and Chestnut-headed Tanager, they were seen and some of them photographed by the visitors, at Carmo Road, these species are not common in the park and spot few times in the last years.

Birding around the world

Last month we had 2 unusual birders from the USA visiting Intervales, they came driving their own vehicle (a Ford F150 truck with extended cab), from California. They have crossed many countries in South America before their arrival in the park. In fact this the second time we received long distance driving birders from USA.

 

 

Guira Tanager is the new species in Intervales

Last week at Carmo Road a group of birders from England along with our birding guide spotted for the first time a pair of "Guira Tanager", unfortunatelly we could not take any picture.

Saibadela trip

This past weekend from 12th to 15th of November, the park received a group of birders from the Centro de Estudos Ornitológico de São Paulo (CEO), to perform a census  on Saibadela Nucleus. With the help of the birding guides of the park, they managed to identify 148 species during the expedition, despite constant rain. Among the highlights were: Yellow-legged Tinamous vocalizing around the lodges, 2 Fasciated Tiger Herons at Quilombo River,  Ash-throated Crake, Blue-bellied Parrot,  Lesser Swalow-tailed Swift (first recording in the park), Azure Jay, Black-headed Berryeater, Salvadori's Antwren and Long-billed Wren.

 

Fasciated Tiger Heron at Quilombo River (by Betinho)

Ash-throated Crake (by Betinho)

 

Lodge

Park Ranger Station 

 

Here is a list with all species recorded during the trip.

 

 Solitary Tinamou

 Yellow-legged Tinamou

 Dusky-legged Guan

 Fasciated Tiger-Heron

 Striated Heron

 Cattle Egret

 Turkey Vulture

 Black Vulture

 Roadside Hawk

 Southern Caracara

 Yellow-headed Caracara

 Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail

 Ash-throated Crake

 Pied Lapwing

 Ruddy Ground-Dove

 Picazuro Pigeon

 Pale-vented Pigeon

 Plumbeous Pigeon 

 Gray-fronted Dove

 Ruddy Quail-Dove

 Maroon-bellied Parakeet

 Blue-winged Parrotlet

 Plain Parakeet

 Scaly-headed Parrot

 Blue-bellied Parrot

 Smooth-billed Ani

 Gray-rumped Swift

 Sick's Swift

 Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (first record)

 Saw-billed Hermit

 Sombre Hummingbird

 Black Jacobin

 Black-throated Mango

 Violet-capped Woodnymph

 Versicolored Emerald

 Glittering-throated Emerald

 Amethyst Woodstar

 White-tailed Trogon

 Black-throated Trogon

 Green Kingfisher

 Crescent-chested Puffbird

 Channel-billed Toucan

 Ochre-collared Piculet

 White-spotted Woodpecker

 Green-barred Woodpecker

 Blond-crested Woodpecker

 Spot-backed Antshrike

 Plain Antvireo

 Star-throated Antwren

 Salvadori's Antwren

 Unicolored Antwren

 Rufous-winged Antwren

 Streak-capped Antwren

 White-shouldered Fire-eye

 Squamate Antbird

 Black-cheeked Gnateater

 Rufous-breasted Leaftosser

 Plain-winged Woodcreeper

 Olivaceous Woodcreeper

 White-throated Woodcreeper
 Lesser Woodcreeper
 Spix's Spinetail
 Yellow-chinned Spinetail
 Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner

 Black-capped Foliage-gleaner

 Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner
 Pale-browed Treehunter
 White-eyed Foliage-gleaner
 Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper

 Streaked Xenops
 Gray-hooded Flycatcher
 Sepia-capped Flycatcher

 Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant
 Eared Pygmy-Tyrant

 Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher
 Gray-capped Tyrannulet
 Gray Elaenia
 Yellow-bellied Elaenia
 Sao Paulo Tyrannulet

 Yellow-olive Flycatcher

 White-throated Spadebill

 Whiskered Flycatcher

 Euler's Flycatcher

 Masked Water-Tyrant

 Long-tailed Tyrant

 Cattle Tyrant

 Piratic Flycatcher

 Social Flycatcher

 Great Kiskadee

 Three-striped Flycatcher

 Streaked Flycatcher

 Boat-billed Flycatcher

 Variegated Flycatcher

 Tropical Kingbird

 Fork-tailed Flycatcher

 Sirystes

 Short-crested Flycatcher

 Rufous-tailed Attila

 Gray-hooded Attila

 Black-headed Berryeater

 Bare-throated Bellbird

 Red-ruffed Fruitcrow

 Pin-tailed Manakin

 Blue Manakin

 Black-crowned Tityra

 White-winged Becard

 Crested Becard

 Red-eyed Vireo

 Azure Jay

 Grey-breasted Martin

 Southern Rough-winged Swallow

 Southern House-Wren

 Long-billed Wren

 Long-billed Gnatwren

 Yellow-legged Thrush

 Rufous-bellied Thrush

 Creamy-bellied Thrush

 White-necked Thrush

 Bananaquit

 Black-throated Grosbeak

 Olive-greenTanager

 Flame-crested Tanager

 Ruby-crowned Tanager

 Brazilian Tanager

 Sayaca Tanager

 Azure-shouldered Tanager

 Golden-chevroned Tanager

 Palm Tanager

 Green-headed Tanager

 Red-necked Tanager

 Swallow Tanager

 Green Honeycreeper

 Rufous-headed Tanager

 Rufous-collared Sparrow

 Saffron Finch

 Blue-black Grassquit

 Lined Seedeater

 Double-collared Seedeater

 Red-crowned Ant-Tanager

 Masked Yellowthroat 

 Golden-crowned Warbler

 White-browed Warbler

 Neotropical River Warbler

 Red-rumped Cacique

 Epaulet Oriole

 Violaceous Euphonia

 Golden-rumped Euphonia

 Chestnut-bellied Euphonia  

Pearl-breasted Cuckoo and Vinaceous Parrot around

Pearl-breasted Cuckoo and Vinaceous Parrot were spotted around the park's headquarters last week, both species are not common during the year, however since 2009 they have been seen occasionally in November.

New species in Intervales

 

A new species was spotted and photographed in front of Pica-pau Lodge this Sunday 23th, a male Black-faced Tanager,  was seen for the first time in Intervales at the feeder, along with some Chestnut-backed Tanager, Green-headed Tanagers and others. 

 

Swalow-tailed Cotinga preyed on the nest

As I have been posting recently the return of Swalow-tailed Cotinga, unfortunatelly last night the female was preyed on the nest, possibly by the Stygian Owl or any bat, now the male has taken over the proccess of incubating the eggs alone, leaving the nest unattended to feed.

Another visitor

Cinammon Tanager is a another visitor this breeding season, it was spotted and photographed about 1 km from the park's headquarters, despite it is already on the list it was seen very few times.

 

New summer visitor

A new interesting bird was seen for the first time around the park, it happend while driving from Ribeirão Grande to Intervales, after pulling out the road for a Streamer-tailed Tyrant on a pine tree, we noticed a pair of a greenish bird by the road on a grazing field, at the beginning we thought it was a Great Pampa-Finch, as this species had been seen previously, but in the end we noticed a different tail indicating that we were dealing with a new species. Lesser Grass-Finch is the new species listed for Intervales' buffer zone.

Lesser Grass-Finch

 

Streamer-tailed Tyrant

Swalow-tailed Cotinga back to Intervales

Here is one more shot of the Swalow-tailed Cotinga this time incubating the eggs, taken on October 10th, by our friend José Moreira from Guatemala. 

Black-legged Dacnis around

The Black-legged Dacnis is one of the most sought after bird here in Intervales, they can be easily seen during the breading season, especially in October, while gathering materials for the nest by the natural swimming pool, only last year  3 nests were found in the park, yesterday (October 10th) one of our guide reported its first sight (breeding season 2011), on a Bottlebrush tree. 

  

Swalow-tailed Cotinga back to Intervales

After few days of  work, one pair of the Swalow-tailed Cotinga have finished the nest, and the female is probably layng eggs by now, another pair is still building it. They always nest in the same place around the soccer field.

Grassland Yellow-Finch for the first time in the park

This is a pretty common bird out of the park, seen regularly in pasture lands (Ribeirão Grande Road), mainly from October to January when it is noticed by its calling. Here is a new twitching for the park, taken by the soccer field.

Swalow-tailed Cotinga back to Intervales

As I have previously posted, the Swalow-tailed Cotinga have returned to Intervales after 2 years with no sign, normally they arrive in mid-september to nest, and stay for 2 or 3 months every year. At least 6 individuals (3 pairs) were seen around the lodges in the central area of the park, one of them was gathering material for the nest. Here is a sequence o photos taken by Betinho.

(Male)

 

(Female)