Although richness and distribution of woody species in the Cerrado physiognomies have been extensively studied, the shifts of woody species from savanna physiognomies to dry forests have not yet been addressed. Here, we investigate the effect of soil physical-chemical traits on the woody species turnover between adjacent cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest physiognomies. Woody species were surveyed, and soil and topographic variables measured, in 30 10×40 m plots systematically distributed, with 15 plots in each physiognomy. We found a spatially structured distribution of woody species, and differences of soil traits between cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest areas, mainly related to the aluminum saturation, base saturation, and available phosphorus. Aluminum saturation increased toward the savanna area, while base saturation increased toward the dry forest. Most woody species predominated in one physiognomy, such as Callisthene major in the cerrado stricto sensu and Anadenanthera colubrina in the dry forest. Only 20% of the species were widely distributed across both physiognomies or, not often, restricted to the intermediary values of the soil gradient. General results indicate that contrasting soil traits between cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest produce a strongly spatially organized and sharp transition in terms of species distribution between these physiognomies.

∙ Hyacinth Macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) feed largely on palm seeds and fruits. Here, we report a pair of Hyacinth Macaws feeding on termites. We visited the nesting tree of a pair of Hyacinth Macaws at the southern border of the Brazilian Pantanal on a monthly basis during one year. Macaws were present during four of these visits, and we recorded them foraging on arboreal termites in their nesting tree during one of the visits. Using their beaks, both macaw individuals repeatedly broke away bark pieces from decaying branches, and handled them with beak and feet to ingest termites found on the inner side of the bark. Nesting in decaying trees likely increases opportunities for Hyacinth Macaws to find termites, and the feeding behavior of these macaws indicates that they are familiar with and able to consume termites. This is the first report of termite consumption by this species.Resumo ∙ Arara‐azul‐grande (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Psittacidae) comendo cupins Indivíduos de Arara‐azul‐grande (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) consomem principalmente sementes de palmeiras e frutos. Reportamos aqui um casal de Araras‐azuis‐grandes consumindo cupins. Visitamos uma árvore de nidificação na borda sul do Pantanal brasileiro mensalmente durante um ano. As araras estavam presentes em quatro visitas, e registramos consumo de cupins presentes na árvore de nidificação em uma visita. As araras repetidamente retiravam com o bico pedaços de casca de ramos podres, e manuseavam os pedaços com o bico e os pés para ingerir cupins presentes na parte interna da casca. Nidificar em árvores senescentes provavelmente aumenta a oportunidade dessas araras encontrarem cupins, e o comportamento alimentar delas indica familiaridade e habilidade em consumilos. Esse é o primeiro registro de consumo de cupins por esta espécie.