Purple-throated Cotinga
NamePurple-throated Cotinga
Common NamePurple-throated Cotinga
Scientific NameCotinga cayana
FamilyCotingidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)19.5
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsAdult males are iridescent turquoise-blue with a contrasting deep purple throat and upper breast. Females (as seen in the image) have a black head, white underparts, and black upperparts with white scaling or barring, giving a mottled appearance, along with a prominent white wing bar.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet birds, their vocalizations are typically soft, low-pitched whistles or grunts, often described as a 'whee-oo' or 'whup'.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout the Amazon Basin, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesStrong sexual dimorphism (iridescent blue/purple male vs. black/white female), Stocky build, Female: black head, white belly, black back with white scaling/barring, white wing bar, Arboreal, typically found in forest canopy
Description
The Purple-throated Cotinga is a medium-sized, stocky bird known for its striking sexual dimorphism. Males are brilliant iridescent blue with a deep purple throat, while females are more subtly patterned in black and white. They are typically found high in the canopy of humid lowland forests, primarily feeding on fruits.
