Visitors coming to stay at REGUA can enjoy an excursion to Pico de Caledonia, a granite peak located just two hours drive from REGUA near Nova Friburgo.

Atlantic rainforest endemic species can be found all along the cobbled road that climbs to 2230m above sea level.    This is home of the ultra-rare Grey-winged Cotinga (Tijuca condita) found only on trees tops of this mountain range, but probably the eeriest call heard is that of the Black-and-Gold Cotinga (Tijuca atra) a high pitched lonely whistle mixing in the mist.

You can see the Large-tailed Antshrike (Mackenziaena leachii) hopping in the undergrowth as it comes to investigate the visitor.   As it reveals his speckled black plumage, it is well camouflaged for such a large bird.

Another rare bird to be found in the area is the Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin (Neopelma chrysolophum).

Whilst this species may not be as quite as flamboyant in colour as many of its Manakin ‘cousins’, its series of random short resonant notes and wonderful prominent yellow crest makes this yet another truly enigmatic species.

The higher altitude of Pico de Caledonia is a marvellous place to visit all year round.   However, during our summers when the lowlands can sometimes be hot and humid the altitude here brings a fresh and cooler feel.

Many of these species are known to be in the inaccessible higher elevations of

REGUA’s land, so it is great for us to be able to take our guests to a more readily accessible area.

Caledonia hides many endemic residents but with patience and REGUA’s excellent bird guides they are all there to be seen.