PORTO VELHO, BRAZIL - The uirapuru is one of the most enigmatic birds in the Amazon. Elusive, rarely seen and even more rarely heard, the species has a unique trait: it sings for mating purposes for only about 15 days each year.

This behavior occurs exclusively during the breeding season, between September and October. Once the male finds a mate, it stops singing and will only vocalize again in the next reproductive cycle. Another notable feature is that there is no visible difference between males and females.

Hearing the uirapuru is considered a rare privilege. The bird inhabits dense, mature forests that are dark and difficult to access. Highly sensitive to environmental changes, it may abandon an area even when a single fallen tree opens a gap in the canopy. In addition, its subtle plumage blends with the forest floor, making visual observation nearly impossible.

The species featured in the video is the rufous uirapuru, found in the Brazilian states of Rondônia, Amazonas and Acre, as well as in parts of Peru and Bolivia. The footage was recorded by researcher Luis Morais in the region of Porto Velho, in the Brazilian Amazon.

Amazon Agency