Order Passeriformes | Phylum Chordata Family Cotingidae Rank Species | |
Similar Cotinga, Purple‑breasted cotinga, Banded cotinga, Purple‑throated fruitcrow, Blue cotinga | ||
Spangled cotinga
The spangled cotinga (Cotinga cayana) is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae, the cotingas. It is found in the canopy of the Amazon Rainforest in South America.
Contents
Because of their bright, beautiful colours, cotingas have been hunted by native peoples for their feathers, as well as for food. The feathers of some species are used in making fishing flies and lures. The beauty of these birds draws birdwatchers from around the world and so may add to the local tourist economy.
Spangled cotinga
Description
The species is sexually dimorphic with the male being a bright turquoise-blue with a large deep wine-red throat and black to the wings, tail and back. The female is overall dull brownish-gray with darker wings and faint mottling below.
Biology
As other members of the genus Cotinga, this species is frugivorous, but it has also been recorded feeding on insects. They are found in the upper canopy of the rainforest. Males often perch in dead trees high above the forest floor. The spangled cotinga and other members of the genus Cotinga do not sing or vocalise although they have been heard making a “whistling” sound from the wings during flight.
Distribution
The spangled cotinga is found throughout the Amazon Basin. It is not considered to be threatened because of its wide distribution.
