The southeastern mare bird, scientifically known as Onychorhynchus swainsoni, recently won a prominent place in the list of the most exotic birds in the world, compiled by Wild Life of Nature magazine. This position represents a historic milestone for Brazilian fauna, as it is a species exclusive to the Atlantic Forest.
Southeastern Pied Maria is one of the rarest birds in the world – Photo: Amer Cavalcant/Reproduction/ND
In the post made by photographer Amer Cavalcant, he mentions the difficulty of capturing the moment: “It took more than 3 hours of dedication to be able to photograph the moment she opened her fan”, stated the photographer.
Of the almost two thousand species of birds found in Brazil, the southeastern mare stands out not only for its uniqueness, but also for its extraordinary beauty. What really captivates observers is the colorful fan-shaped crest, a rare attribute among birds.
According to biologist and doctor in biology Jackson Preuss, the bird is rare in the Atlantic Forest Biome, but there are appearances of it in the state of Santa Catarina.
“The rare presence of the bird has already been recorded near the municipalities of São Bento do Sul, Joinville and Itapoá. Due to several environmental factors, including environmental temperature, its geographic distribution is considered restricted in some locations in the southeast and south of Brazil”, stated the biologist.
The obstacles to the conservation of the southeastern fantail maria are serious, reflected in habitat loss and environmental degradation. The fragmentation of forests and the advancement of agriculture increase the threats to the survival of this unique species.
Almost two thousand species of birds are found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest – Photo: Amer Cavalcant/Reproduction/NDThe bird stands out not only for its exuberant plumage, but also for its characteristic vocalization. Presence serves as a crucial indicator of the vitality of that ecosystem.
Check out a rare record of the southeastern mare bird
