The forests in the Paraíba river region harbor a precious jewel, the Lesser Crescent-chested Puffbird (Malacoptila minor), a friendly yet endangered species with a highly restricted distribution in the region. It shares the environment with a recently discovered species, a tiny representative of the genus Myiornis, which has yet to be scientifically described but is locally known as the 'Little cricket', see pictures!
    The region is also home to one of the three disjunct populations of the Pectoral Antwren (Herpsilochmus pectoralis). Other birds with restricted distribution that can be found in the region are the Hooded Gteater (Conopophaga roberti), the Maranhao Hermit (Phaethornis maranhaoensis) and the Buff-browed Chachalaca (Ortalis superciliaris).

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   The areas of semi-deciduous forests formed by prehistoric climate oscillations host many Amazonian species, including a surprisingly abundant population of the rare Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo (Neomorphus geoffroyi).  The local race, "amazonicus", is quite distinct from other well-known races of the species, having pale underparts, a noticeable black belt, and sharp, bright eyes (see pictures!). We can find it feeding on army ants swarms along with other followers such as the East Amazonian Fire-eye (Pyriglena leuconota), the Tawny-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus macconnelli), and the Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata).

 

   At some spots near to Caxias we find Cerrado savannas, "Campo Sujo", where we can observe the the Coal-crested Finch (Charitospiza eucosma), the stunning Blue Finch (Porphyrospiza caerulescens), and the threatened Moustached Woodcreeper (Xiphocolaptes falcirostris).

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   Many Bamboo "islands" are present in the middle of the cerrado, where species dependent on this type of environment occur, such as the Blackish-blue Seedeater (Amaurospiza moesta) and the Kaempfer's Woodpecker (Celeus obrieni).

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    Near small streams, a tall forest rises, known as "Cerradão", where at long distances we can hear the loud hammer of the Bearded Bellbird (Procnias averano), a very singular bird.
  On the shaded floor of these forests we find the Rufous-capped Antthrush (Formicarius colma) and the Marbled Wood-Quail (Odontophorus gujanensis) while in the understory the Yellow-green Grosbeak (Caryothraustes canadensis) and the Blue-backed Manakin (Chiroxiphia pareola) roam.