ABOUT THE CHANNEL

THE PLANETA AVES

Brazilian channel dedicated to science communication, birdwatching, and celebrating nature.

OUR PURPOSE

Planeta Aves was born from the desire to share Brazil's birds and bring people closer to nature — sparking curiosity, knowledge, and interest in their conservation.

We show wildlife as it really is — without exaggeration or sensationalism. We turn scientific knowledge into simple, accessible stories that help people look at the natural world with more attention and curiosity.

Eagle perched on a branch in a forest environment

Panoramic view of a tropical forest under a blue sky

Willian Menq operating a camera on a tripod during field recording

HOW WE DO IT

Behind every Planeta Aves video there is a process that involves research, planning, travel, observation, and many hours of work in the field and at the desk.

Each production begins with a question, a species, or a story we want to tell. From there, we research, we plan, and — whenever possible — we produce our own footage, traveling to locate the species and waiting for the right opportunities to record them in their natural environments.

Then all that material goes through curation, scripting, and editing. It is in this process that field footage and scientific information take shape and turn into simple, accessible, and engaging stories.

Science is not just supplementary information. It is present at every step and is part of how we tell our stories.

THE PLANETA AVES STORY

The first videos on Planeta Aves documented trips, personal experiences, and Willian Menq's encounters with birds and different places. Among them were birds of prey — already part of his work with the site Aves de Rapina Brasil.

In December 2019, the channel found a new identity with the publication of 'The 10 Rarest Birds of Brazil.' From then on, the channel has taken science communication about birds and nature to a wide audience — using video to tell stories, present species, and share knowledge.

Expeditions, field footage, documentaries, series, and different projects on Brazilian biodiversity followed. Planeta Aves grew, reached people of different places and ages, and surpassed the milestone of 1 million subscribers.

But even with all that growth, the essence remains the same: the curiosity to know nature better and the desire to share that discovery.

Willian Menq seated on a rock observing a green canyon during an expedition

Willian and Jéssica Menq in a boat with guides during a river expedition

Jéssica Menq with binoculars watching the sunset over a valley with araucaria trees

WHO IS BEHIND

Willian Menq

Nature does not need to be invented to be extraordinary.

Biologist and ornithologist, with a master's degree in Biological Sciences and a specialist in birds of prey. At Planeta Aves, he presents the videos, develops the scripts, and goes to the field in search of the footage that brings the productions to life. Fieldwork is one of his favorite activities.

Throughout his career, he has worked on research projects and activities related to birds in different regions of Brazil, accumulating extensive field experience. He is the author of the book Aves de Rapina do Brasil: Todas as Espécies and of several works on birds of prey.

For his contribution to science communication, he received the Paulo Nogueira Neto Medal, awarded by the Regional Council of Biology of the 1st Region (CRBio-01).

Willian Menq with binoculars — biologist and ornithologist at Planeta Aves

Jéssica Menq

More than just recording birds, when we look with attention, nature always has something to reveal.

Biologist, with a master's degree in Environment and Sustainability, and passionate about birds and nature. At Planeta Aves, she takes part in field recordings and also supports the different stages of video production.

She has a special interest in animal behavior, particularly that of owls. In the day-to-day life of the channel, she helps turn research, observation, and field experiences into new stories about birds and nature.