Swallow-tailed Cotinga
NameSwallow-tailed Cotinga
Common NameSwallow-tailed Cotinga
Scientific NamePhibalura flavirostris
FamilyCotingidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)49
Plumage DetailsMales have a black head with a distinctive yellow throat patch and a white crescent behind the eye. The back and wings are black with bright yellow scaling, creating a spotted pattern. Underparts are yellow with black scaling, and the tail is long, black, and deeply forked. Females are similar but generally duller with less pronounced scaling and a shorter tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of a series of high-pitched, thin, sibilant whistles, often described as 'tseee-tseee-tseee' or 'swee-swee-swee', typically given from a perch.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, typically inhabiting subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and forest edges.
Identifying FeaturesDeeply forked, swallow-like tail, Bright yellow and black scaled plumage, Black head with yellow throat patch and white crescent (male), Conspicuous perching behavior
Description
This striking South American cotinga is known for its vibrant yellow and black scaled plumage and a deeply forked tail. It typically perches conspicuously in the canopy, feeding on a mix of fruits and insects, and is often seen carrying nesting material during breeding season.
