Hello Photographers!

There is a bird in the Atlantic Forest that can confuse even experienced observers. It has a green body, a pale bill, and the discreet manner typical of those who prefer to stay hidden among the leaves. At first glance, it could be just one of the many parrots that inhabit our forests. But then it sings, and the song can recall that of a thrush. The sabiá-cica (Triclaria malachitacea), a singular parrot, belonging to the family Psittacidae and to the genus Triclaria, which is monotypic — that is, it has only this one known species. Its English name, Blue-bellied Parrot, refers precisely to the most striking characteristic of males: the bluish-purple belly. The bill is almost white and the eye-ring is grayish. Sexual dimorphism is quite evident. The adult male has a blue or violet-blue belly, while the female is entirely green. This difference is one of the best clues for anyone who manages to observe the species long enough.

And that is precisely one of the challenges. The sabiá-cica does not usually make the photographer's life easy. It often remains motionless among the vegetation, especially deep in the forest, where its green plumage works as excellent camouflage. It is associated mainly with the Atlantic Forest, especially the humid forests of the coastal strip and the slopes of the Serra do Mar.

Historically, its range covered areas from southern Bahia to northeastern Rio Grande do Sul. Today, records are concentrated mainly in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil, with known occurrences in states such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. It is a species that can occupy primary forests as well as mature secondary environments, but it has a strong association with well-structured forest areas. For the birdwatcher, this means one important thing: looking for the sabiá-cica is, more often than not, looking for the forest itself.

The secret is in the ear

Perhaps the most fascinating feature of the sabiá-cica is precisely the one we cannot photograph. Its song can recall that of different thrush species. There are records and observations indicating that individuals may produce vocalizations similar to those of thrushes found in the region. One hypothesis is that part of these vocalizations is learned during the juvenile stage, through coexistence with other birds. It is an extraordinary trait for a parrot. Imagine walking through the Atlantic Forest, hearing a thrush singing and searching among the branches... only to discover that the author of that song is, in fact, a green parrot hidden in the canopy. For those who watch birds, moments like this show why identifying a species by appearance alone can be a trap. Sometimes, the best guide is the ear. A diet far more varied than was assumed. For a long time, the sabiá-cica was strongly associated with consuming the fruits of the juçara palm (Euterpe edulis). The relationship exists, but the species' diet is more diverse. Studies have recorded the consumption of fruits from different Atlantic Forest trees, as well as flowers, seeds and other plant resources. This reinforces an important idea for those who photograph birds: a good observation strategy begins with knowing the plants of the place. Finding a fruiting tree can be far more efficient than simply walking through the forest hoping a bird will appear. In Santa Rosa do Lima - SC, they feed almost entirely on corn and fruit around the houses they visit during the colder months.

Breeding: A specialist in tree hollows

The sabiá-cica uses tree hollows for nesting. In southern Brazil, its breeding period occurs mainly between October and January. There are records of clutches of two or three eggs, and both adults take part in caring for the young. This reveals another reason why mature trees are so important. A forest does not only need to provide food. It also needs to provide safe places to breed. When old trees disappear, many of the natural hollows used by birds that depend on them disappear too.

A challenge for the photographer

Photographing a sabiá-cica requires patience. It can remain motionless for a long time, hidden in the vegetation, and it often goes unnoticed even when it is relatively close. For that reason, more than equipment, this is a species that rewards reading the environment, so pay attention to the calls, watch the fruiting trees, and look for discreet movements inside the canopy. And above all, don't rush. When the sabiá-cica finally appears, the contrast between the deep green of the body and the blue-violet of the male's belly can produce one of the most beautiful images the Atlantic Forest has to offer.

Good photos, and until the next issue!