Locations

Lowland Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro State (Silva Jardim, Casimiro de Abreu & Macaé), Brazil – Profile for Birders

February 13, 2026 by a Guest No Comments

Highlights

This lowland Atlantic Forest region in the state of Rio de Janeiro includes the municipalities of Silva Jardim, Casimiro de Abreu, and Macaé, located approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours from the city of Rio de Janeiro. The area offers some of the most accessible and productive birding in southeastern Brazil, combining well-preserved lowland forest, wetlands, and forest edges. It supports a rich diversity of Atlantic Forest endemics and lowland specialists and serves as an excellent complement to montane destinations such as Serra dos Órgãos and Itatiaia.

Brazilian Tanager

Key Bird Species and Families

  • Striped Manakin
  • Red-headed Manakin
  • White-crowned Manakin
  • White-bearded Manakin
  • Rufous-throated Sapphire
  • Red-rumped Cacique
  • Brazilian Tanager
  • Black-capped Donacobius
  • Horned Screamer
  • Spotted Rail

Striped Manakin

Best Regions for Birding

Silva Jardim
• Golden Lion Tamarin Reserve (Poço das Antas region)
• Juturnaíba Lagoon

Casimiro de Abreu
• União Biological Reserve
• Córrego da Luz region

Macaé
• Atalaia Municipal Park

White-crowned Manakin

Best Birding Season

Birding is productive year-round. The austral spring and summer (September to March) offer peak vocal activity and breeding behavior, while the cooler and drier months (May to August) provide comfortable conditions and reliable mixed-species flocks. Early mornings are essential for the best results.

Red-headed Manakin

Birding Trip Suggestion(s)

These locations can be visited on full-day or multi-day trips from the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region. Suggested itineraries:

  • Full day in Silva Jardim, combining the Golden Lion Tamarin Reserve region and Juturnaíba Lagoon
  • Birding in Silva Jardim can be combined with a visit to observe the Golden Lion Tamarin (subject to availability and advance booking)
  • Overnight stays in Silva Jardim are possible and recommended for more complete coverage of the region
  • Full day in União Biological Reserve and nearby forest areas in Casimiro de Abreu
  • Combination of Macaé (Atalaia Municipal Park) with other lowland sites for extended trips

Golden Lion Tamarin

Horned Screamer

Practical Tips

  • Early departures from Rio de Janeiro or Niterói are recommended due to travel distance.
  • Lightweight clothing and insect protection are advisable in lowland forest environments.
  • Many key species are more easily detected by voice, making a local bird guide highly recommended.
  • Combining forest and wetland sites can significantly increase daily species totals.
  • Overnight options in Silva Jardim allow for more relaxed schedules and access to peak early-morning bird activity.

White-bellied Tanager

Books

Red-legged Honeycreeper

Links

Spotted Rail

By Francisco Falcon

Francisco Falcon is a bird guide based in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, guiding regularly throughout the lowland Atlantic Forest, including Silva Jardim, Casimiro de Abreu, and Macaé. He can be reached at franciscofalcon@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at +55 21 99203-4518.

Illustration (Silva Jardim): “File:RiodeJaneiro Municip SilvaJardim.svg” by Raphael Lorenzeto de Abreu is licensed under CC BY 2.5.

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