The Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus rufifrons is a bird that is relatively common in the drier savanna interior of Brazil and has a reasonably ample distribution. Easily seen hanging from singular trees in the middle of pastures, these birds construct nests that are by far one fo the most elaborate and extraodinary. Twigs are picked up by both the male and female and gradually built into an impressive fortress of intertwined twigs that surround an interior nest. The chamber is lined with feathers and in this protected nest the chicks grow. These small thornbirds go on to build nests above the first structure and it is increased severalfold for members of the growing family. Apparently in areas where Orange-backed Troupials Icterus croconotus are found, the poor thornbirds labour is used to lay their own eggs. These birds are not always easy to see (even more so around REGUA now the reforestation is maturing) but we were fortunate in taking Canadian guests David and Barabara to see the Three-toed Jacamar Jacamaralcyon tridactyla to Sumidouro and see the couple cleaning in time for the reproduction period coming up.

