Notes on the Birds of the States of Pernambuco and Paraiba, Brazil

Abstract

IN their 'Birds of Lower Amazonia,' Griscom and Greenway (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zobl., 88, 1941) refer to this region as a neglected corner of Brazil, a statement borne out by the number of new forms and extensions of range in the small collection made by the author.' It is for this reason that the writer ventures to submit the following field notes and observations on birds encountered in the area. The city of Recife, where the writer was located, is in the state of Pernambuco, on the coast, about eight degrees below the equator, and almost at the apex of the 'bulge' of northeastern Brazil. The rainy season in this region commences about March and lasts until the end of August. The climate is moderate throughout the year, but somewhat cooler during the rainy season. Mean temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest recorded temperature is 52 degrees and the highest 103 degrees, but the normal variation is between 70 and 95 degrees. This region offers a number of varied habitats within close proximity to one another. Of these, the ocean and beach are the least profitable for the bird observer. Pelagic species are rarely seen, and their appearances are almost exclusively confined to the months of April and May when occasional birds are blown in by storms. Frigate Birds, Brown Boobies and Brazilian Cormorants have been noted, as well as a petrel tentatively identified as the Trinidad Petrel (not included in the following list). Shore birds are fairly common on the beach in season. Immediately behind the beach is a fringe of coconut palms, stretching inland for about half a mile. Most of this region is inhabited, and there is some cultivation, principally of mandioca. Certain tanagers, flycatchers, the bananaquit, hummingbirds, parrakeets and the house wren are most common in this section. Several small rivers empty into the ocean in the vicinity of Recife, usually bordered by fairly extensive mangrove swamps. There are also a number of small fresh-water marshes. The latter particularly support an abundance of aquatic species, including rails, herons, kingfishers, ducks, gallinules, a grebe and numerous migrant shorebirds. Further inland there is a large area of semi-open country, some of which is planted with mandioca and other crops. Seedeaters, fly-