Hi

I have finally been able to put details together for this trip around Brazil.

After landing in Sao Paulo we fly to Campo Grande and then transfer to Buraco das Araras where a very large group of Green winged Macaws roost, nest and feed. Visiting their site 2 mornings and one evening. In between we will be able to snorkel in the Rio da Prata which is likened to swimming in an aquarium.

From here we go into the Pantanal for Hyacinth Macaws and another 15 species of parrot.

After the Pantanal we fly up to Forteleza where we have a driver and guide waiting to take us to see the endangered Gray breasted Parakeets (our guide is involved in their conservation so he knows where to find them) moving down into Bahia to see the Lears Macaws at their roost and feed sites before driving further South towards Salvador where we come across Golden capped Parakeets and Red browed Amazons.

We then fly from Salvador down to Rio de Janeiro where some of the group may decide to go home. However for the more adventurous there is the opportunity to go to a reserve called REGUA about 2 hours drive from Rio where we will be able to encounter Blue winged Macaws amongst many other parrots. From here we will be able to sample one of the local carnivals as well.

37 species of Parrots including 7 species of Macaw (Hyacinth, Lears, Blue and Yellow, Yellow collared, Blue winged, Red shouldered and Green winged Macaws) and in excess of 500 species of birds potentially on this trip not forgetting all the other wildlife that we may encounter.

I have allowed plenty of time at all the locations to be able to Photograph, Video or just observe these magnificent Parrots and other wildlife

Check out my website for more details including prices. http://www.wildparrotsupclose.co.uk/brazil_2010_42.html 

This trip is limited to between 5 and 8 people maximum so book as soon as possible

Thanks for the response on this trip. There is still time to book but there are only 4 more places available.

Dear Steve,

Wish I could go, but unfortunately too many animals to take care of here!! If you could do me a favor if it is convenient. Find out from your guide and any other persons, the status currently of golden capped conure, that is A. auricappilla, any subspecies information, range, etc. I have been involved with them for many years and it is very difficult to find field study/conservation information that is current. Also if you can get any photos of gold caps, I would be pleased to pay you for copies.  My dream is for WPT to eventually get a program started to study and help save them. Thanks and have great fun!!!    

Its a shame you cannot come on the trip it will be great. 
I am hoping to see the Golden Capped Conures as I have been doing some work in the Atlantic Rainforest in the state of Rio de Janeiro and although they should be there I have never come across them yet. I have been to many areas within Rio de Janeiro State over a number of years and have not seen them. There are a few reports for them near Balbina in Minas Gerais State but I am assured our guide will be able to show them to us near Salvador. I will post some photos if I get them. I already have a photo of one within this website but it is taken of one in captivity. They are listed in the Parrot Action Plan as requiring more study and information but I do not know of anyone working on this.

Golden Capped Conures can be found at the Rio de Janeiro Jardim botanico. The botanical gardens. Presumably an introduced population. With many others.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/cityparrots/pool/89084100@N00

As urban populations of this type of conure are known to thrive in cities they will probably have a prosperous future there.

Thanks for the information.  I have never seen them there myself. 
I do not know why this bird is thought to be introduced though as this should be part of their normal range.
The Golden Capped Conure is on my list of possibles for this region as they have been on a bird list for this area in the past but the current bird list does not include them. I have them on several lists for different areas of Rio de Janeiro state some say introduced, some say re-introduced and others do not say either so I can only assume that these are thought to be in their natural habitat.
I have more details about the work I have been doing that will be coming out soon and it would be useful to know everyones encounters with parrots of any species within the Rio de Janeiro State.
Any information could be sent to me direct or included within this forum but I will open up a seperate topic for this.

Hi Steve,

Take a look at this image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8592135@N02/3388386715/

Also in Rio. But together with a non native relative. In general I suspect disjunct populations of urban parrots as introduced. But I could be wrong.

Have fun on the trip!

Very interesting image.
This would definately be an introduced or escaped species.
I have now opened another topic under Conservation, ecology and fieldwork to take this further if possible.
Thanks again.