Black-cheeked Gnateater at Atlantic Rainforest

The Atlantic Rainforest—or Mata Atlântica—once ran almost unbroken along Brazil's eastern seaboard, from the northeast down through the southern states, tracing the coastline before climbing inland across steep, mist-shrouded escarpments. Though heavily fragmented today, the surviving tracts remain a stronghold for the Black-cheeked Gnateater, making this one of the more rewarding places to seek it out. Visiting in May, as our Birds of Brazil holiday does, offers photographers the chance to work these atmospheric forest remnants at a good time of year. Patience amid the mist and tangled understorey is well rewarded here.