The Canudos Biological Station in the dry backlands of Bahia is the place to see Lear's macaw, a deep indigo-blue macaw found nowhere else, as it streams out of its sandstone canyon roosts at first light. Watching hundreds of the rare macaws leave the cliffs at dawn, once on the edge of extinction, is one of Brazil's great conservation spectacles. The birds are seen year-round, with the dawn flight the highlight every morning.
The Canudos Biological Station in the dry backlands of Bahia is the place to see Lear's macaw, a deep indigo-blue macaw found nowhere else, as it streams out of its sandstone canyon roosts at first light. Watching hundreds of the rare macaws leave the cliffs at dawn, once on the edge of extinction, is one of Brazil's great conservation spectacles. The birds are seen year-round, with the dawn flight the highlight every morning.
Up to 76% sighting chance in Canudos (Raso da Catarina), Bahia, Brazil. Best months: January, February, July.
It is the main site for Lear's macaw, an indigo-blue macaw found only here, brought back from the edge of extinction.
At the dawn flight from the sandstone canyon roosts, watched from a viewpoint at the Canudos Biological Station with a guide.
By road into the dry sertao of northern Bahia, usually from Canudos town, staying near the reserve for the early start.
Year-round, as the macaws are resident; the dawn flight is the daily highlight in any season.
A small conservation and guiding fee supports the reserve, roughly 40 to 80 BRL per person (2026 prices).
