calyptura.com

Why calyptura?

The Kinglet Calyptura Calyptura cristata of southeastern Brazil is indicative of our considerable concern (but also hope) for conservation of the world’s most threatened birds and their habitats. The species had not been observed for over 100 years when two birds were seen near Rio de Janeiro in 1996. Another sighting was claimed at an area between Rio and São Paulo in 2006, an area that has now produced three claims of the species since 1990.

This tiny bird demonstrates that the most endangered species, even those assumed to be extinct, may still be out there. Though gravely concerned by the rarity of so many species today, we are hopeful that it is not too late for them. Nevertheless, we are making our utmost efforts to see and enjoy threatened and endangered species while we still can, and contribute as best as possible to their conservation.

A combination of superb birding and grave environmental pressures that we observed firsthand during a month in south-east Brazil in late 2006 led us to decide to do more for global bird conservation. As the iconic endangered species of this region, we chose Kinglet Calyptura as our adopted species when we joined the Rare Bird Club of Birdlife International. The play on words with our surname is a coincidence, but a fortunate one.

For further information on Kinglet Calyptura, please see the BirdLife International species factsheet: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=4493

The imposing Serra dos Orgãos, rising up to the north of Guapimirim in Rio de Janeiro state. This area produced many of the 19th Century records of Kinglet Calyptura - when the species was apparently relatively common - and the only reliable report since the 19th Century.

Folha Seca, Ubatuba, São Paulo state. The exact location of the most recent claim of Kinglet Calyptura, in March 2006. The Ubatuba area produced three reports of the species between 1990 and 2006, and although none of these are considered confirmed, the possibility that the species occurs in this area cannot be discounted.

Garrafão, near Teresopolis, Serra dos Orgãos, Rio de Janeiro (above and below). The location of the only confirmed record of Kinglet Calyptura since the late 1800s. Two, presumably a pair, were seen here by multiple observers on 27-30 October 1996.