New records of bird species from Ilha Grande, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

A recent study significantly expands the known avian diversity of Ilha Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Brazil. Researchers identified 32 new bird species on the island, increasing its total from 222 to 254—representing one-third of Rio de Janeiro's recorded species. Among these, seven are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, including two with conservation concerns: Sporophila falcirostris (globally Vulnerable) and Haematopus palliatus (Near Threatened in Brazil). The study also documents the second record of Agelaioides badius for Rio de Janeiro state. By surveying new sites, the team suggests these findings may reflect both recent colonization and range expansions, while 13 species recorded are threatened at regional, national, or global levels. This update enhances our understanding of Ilha Grande's biodiversity and underscores its importance as a critical habitat.

Alves, M. A. S., Vecchi, M. B., Vallejos, L. M., Ribeiro, E. D. A., Martins-Silva, J., & Saint Clair, R. D. S. (2016). New records of bird species from Ilha Grande, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Check List, 12(6), 2017. https://doi.org/10.15560/12.6.2017