The Hummingbirds of Folha Seca by Adam Riley

Tucked away inside a rare remnant patch of Brazil’s critically threatened Atlantic rainforests is a slice of paradise called Folha Seca (meaning “dry leaf”). Here Mr Jonas Dabronzo, as kind and intelligent a gentleman as you would ever wish to meet, owns a secluded home that has become a Mecca for hummingbirds and a myriad of other avian gems. Mr Jonas religiously feeds his flock of hummingbirds that hover around his porch and an incredible 22 species have been attracted to this haven. A visit usually reveals around 10 species and this blogpost is a celebration to some of these amazing birds that frequent Mr Jonas’ feeders. Even more amazing than the hummingbird diversity is the incredible volume of individuals that buzz around the porch and garden. Folha Seca is situated near Ubatuba between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janiero and if you plan to visit, please contact Mr Jonas in advance to ensure the timing is not inconvenient for him. Mr Jonas does not charge for visits but a donation of a few bags of sugar is always welcome as the hummingbirds consume a vast volume! Mr Jonas can be contacted by emailing j.dabronzo@uol.com.br or calling him on (12) 38482587.

The Black Jacobin is one of the commoner hummingbirds of the Atlantic rainforests, ranging from northern Argentina into Brazil. Image by Adam Riley

A Black Jacobin in flight.  Image by Adam Riley

The Brazilian Ruby is an absolute stunner and endemic to south-eastern Brazil. Image by Adam Riley

A Brazilian Ruby’s glittering throat can only be appreciated when viewed at the correct angle. Image by Adam Riley

The Swallow-tailed Hummingbird is one of Brazil’s largest species. Image by Adam Riley

The Sombre Hummingbird is another endemic of south-eastern Brazil’s Atlantic rainforests. Image by Adam Riley

Also endemic is arguably the most attractive of all the hermits, the unusual and endemic Saw-billed Hermit. Image by Adam Riley

As can be seen from this image, the White-vented Violetear is aptly named! Image by Adam Riley

A hovering Violet-capped Woodnymph. Image by Adam Riley

A male Black-throated Mango, one of South America’s more widespread hummingbird species. Image by Adam Riley

The female Black-throated Mango is quite distinctive. Image by Adam Riley/Rockjumper Birding Tours

A Versicoloured Emerald, although not as brilliantly adorned as other hummers, makes up for it with its subtle patterning. Image by Adam Riley

A Versicoloured Emerald about to enjoy a scratch. Image by Adam Riley

A Glittering-throated Emerald aptly poses with a folha seca (dry leaf) at Folha Seca! Image by Adam Riley

A Glittering-throated Emerald foraging. Image by Adam Riley

Everyone’s favourite at Folha Seca, adorable and miniscule, Festive Coquette’s are incredibly habituated and regularly buzz around one’s ears, a magical experience! Image by Adam Riley

 The tiny Festive Coquette in flight. Image by Adam Riley