AREIA (PARAÍBA STATE)
- AREA DESCRIPTION ––Areia is a city located at 140 km west of João Pessoa. It is located at the Borborema plateau at 600 meters of altitude. The weather is pleasant with temperatures as low as 15º C during the cold winter nights (May to August). Areia is a culturally diverse and touristic city. It offers good hotel options and the culinary is considered one of the best in the region. A traditional cultural tour for the city allows tourists to experience the countryside routine and visit famous Brazilian distilleries. In Areia, our birdwatching activities will take place at the Unidade de Conservação Estadual Mata do Pau Ferro. This state reserve protects the largest highland forest fragment in the state of Paraíba, with more than 600 hectares of vegetation at various succession stages. Areas with sparse vegetation favors the observation of the White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) and the Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus), whereas in dense areas (with less luminosity) will house other species such as the Buff-breasted Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus mirandae). The Mata do Pau Ferro offers very easy and safe access routes. Trails are short (less than 1.5 km) with moderate slopes for most part of the walk. After the hike you can regain your energies at the Vó Maria (or Grandma Mary) restaurant and rest on the hammocks right after a delicious meal.
- MAIN TARGET SPECIES – The main goal in this area is to observe threatened species exclusively found in Northeast Brazil such as the Pinto's Spinetail (Synallaxis infuscata), Pernambuco Fire-eye (Pyriglena pernambucensis), Ceara Gnateater (Conopophaga cearae), White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi), and the fabulous Seven-colored Tanager (Tangara fastuosa), Other main targets are: White-throated Spadebill (Platyrinchus mystaceus niveigularis), Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens pernambucensis) and Tawny Piculet (Picumnus fulvescens).
Gustavo Toledo
