Bird Guides

Bird Guides of the World: Francisco Falcon, Brazil

September 30, 2025 by Editor No Comments

What is your favorite bird species?

My favorite species is the Uirapuru, but unfortunately, although I have been to the Amazon a few times, I have not yet had the opportunity to see it live.

Black-hooded Antwren

What is your name, and where do you live?

My name is Francisco Eduardo de Souza Falcon, I was born and live in the city of Niterói, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?

I usually guide in cities around the city of Rio de Janeiro and also in the interior of the state, on routes of no more than 200km in distance, but I have also organized expeditions to other nearby states.

Brazilian Tanager

How long have you been a bird guide?

I have been a birdwatching guide for almost ten years.

Saffron Toucanet

How did you get into bird guiding?

My story with birds began in my teens and up until my twenties, when I used to keep birds in cages. Later, I became a musician and started traveling around Brazil. I remember that when digital cameras first appeared, I had a very simple one that I carried in my backpack, and then I started photographing the birds that I found along the way during my travels, and also in my backyard. In 2009, with the creation of the WIKIAVES website, this activity intensified, and then, little by little, I became completely immersed in this hobby, which ended up becoming a job.

Channel-billed Toucan

What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?

I like being in the field, listening to the birds sing, observing their behavior, and being able to show this to people. The only negative aspect of this activity is having to wake up very early (laughs)

Green-headed Tanager

What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?

It is difficult to choose just 10 favorite species here in the region, but I could mention the Channel-billed Toucan, Saffron Toucanet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Green-headed Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Striped Kinglet, Red-headed Manakin, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, as well as three birds endemic to the state of Rio de Janeiro: the Grey-winged Cotinga, the Restinga Antwren, and the Black-hooded Antwren.

Spot-billed Toucanet

Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip

I have some favorite birdwatching itineraries, such as visiting the lowland forests of Silva Jardim and Casimiro de Abreu (cities in the interior of the state of Rio). Another itinerary that I can highlight is birdwatching in the Tijuca Forest in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and it is an incredible itinerary because it is within the city of Rio de Janeiro, and in third place, I can mention the mountainous region of Rio, which is wonderful for birdwatching!

In the lowland forests in the interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro, we can reach places with lush forests in about 2 hours’ travel and observe the beautiful Manakins, such as the Striped Kinglets, the Red-headed Manakin and the White-crowned Manakin, in addition to several other species typical of this type of vegetation.

In the Tijuca Forest, within the city of Rio de Janeiro, we can observe the Channel-billed Toucan, the Spot-billed Toucanet, as well as at least six species of beautiful Tanagers and many other birds, and all of this very close, with less than an hour’s drive.

In the mountainous region of Rio, we can observe birds from higher altitudes, especially Cotingas and Tanagers, as well as the Saffron Toucanet. There are some incredible places in this region with feeders where birdwatchers can enjoy watching the birds up close, which are also great for photography. The drive time varies between 1:30 and 2:30 to reach these places.

Grey-winged Cotinga

What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?

All seasons are good for birdwatching, but I particularly prefer the months between April and November, although I have been on many excursions during the summer. It is important to always carry water and mosquito repellent.

Blue-naped Chlorophonia

If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?

You can contact me via one of the following:

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?

The state of Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful place for bird watching!