Scaled Fruiteater
NameScaled Fruiteater
Common NameScaled Fruiteater
Scientific NameAmpelioides tschudii
FamilyCotingidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy black head and throat, with the rest of the body covered in bright yellow-green feathers edged in black, creating a striking scaled pattern. The underparts are also scaled, though often paler. Females are similar but duller overall, with a less intense black on the head and more olive-green body plumage. Both sexes possess a pale, somewhat stout bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of soft, whistled notes, often described as 'whee-whee-whee' or 'peee-peee-peee', which can sometimes incorporate a trill. They may also produce a low, guttural 'grrr' sound.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Scaled Fruiteater is found in the Andes mountain range of South America, with its distribution extending from Colombia and Venezuela, south through Ecuador and Peru, to Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive yellow-green scaled plumage pattern, Glossy black head (males), Stocky build, Pale, stout bill, Inhabits humid montane forests
Description
The Scaled Fruiteater is a medium-sized, stocky cotinga known for its distinctive scaled plumage. Males feature a glossy black head contrasting with a bright yellow-green body, while females are similar but duller. This species typically inhabits humid montane forests, where it forages primarily for fruits.
