Ubatuba – Brazil

About

Ubatuba is a Brazilian paradise that blends dense rainforest with golden beaches situated between the mountains of the Serra do Mar and the Atlantic Ocean. While many visitors come here to surf or lounge by the water, birders know Ubatuba as one of the best places in Brazil to experience Atlantic Forest birding. For bird photographers, it offers a chance to capture some of South America’s most dazzling species in an unforgettable setting.

The forest canopy of Ubatuba is filled with bromeliads and orchids, and from the moment you enter, the songs of the birds are nearly overwhelming. Tanagers fly in bursts of color, woodcreepers spiral up trunks, and trogons peek from the shadows. The sheer diversity is staggering. Ubatuba sits at the heart of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse and endangered ecosystems on Earth.

A highlight for many birders is the chance to see the Red-necked Tanager, a bird that is so brilliantly covered in scarlet, green, blue, and yellow plumage. Equally photogenic are the Green-headed Tanager, Blue Dacnis, and the jewel-like Violet-capped Woodnymph. For hummingbird enthusiasts, Ubatuba is legendary. Gardens, feeders, and forest edges often host species like the Brazilian Ruby, Festive Coquette, and the tiny Sombre Hummingbird, many perch just long enough for a patient photographer to frame the perfect shot.

One of the unique aspects of birding in Ubatuba is the network of private reserves and bird-friendly lodges. Local pousadas (inns) maintain hummingbird feeders and fruit platforms, which create opportunities to observe dozens of species up close. For bird photography, these setups are invaluable. Most have natural perches, good lighting, and an endless stream of birds, so that even amateur photographers come away with professional-looking images.

Venturing deeper into the trails, you may find Atlantic Forest favorites like the Spot-billed Toucanet, Ferruginous Antbird, or the elusive Solitary Tinamou. Patient birders may even be rewarded with a glimpse of the Bare-throated Bellbird, whose ringing call carries through the forest. These moments are not only thrilling but a reminder of how fragile this habitat is. Over 90% of the original Atlantic Forest has been lost, making Ubatuba a crucial stronghold for conservation.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder chasing lifers or a photographer looking for vibrant subjects, Ubatuba offers an immersion into one of the world’s most enchanting birding destinations. 

Owen traveled here in July 2025.