Lovely Cotinga
Cotinga amabilis
Unobtrusive, rather chunky bird of forest canopy in tropical forest of humid lowlands. Most often seen as a single male perched on exposed high branches, less often at fruiting trees where can be quite low. Male is unmistakable: brilliant electric blue (glowing even at long range) with plum-colored throat and belly patch. Female very different: pale grayish overall with white scalloping above and dusky dappling below. Basically silent.
Identification
The lovely cotinga has an adult length of about 7.5 in (19 cm). It has a small, rounded head, a plump body and short tail. The male is a brilliant turquoise blue and closely resembles the blue cotinga (Cotinga nattererii). It lacks the black eye-ring of that species, and has a more purple bib and a much larger patch of purple on the breast. The flight feathers are black with broad blue edges. The upper tail-coverts are blue, and are so long that it is difficult to see the black tail feathers. The female also resembles the blue cotinga female; its upper parts are greyish-brown with white scalloping, and its pale underparts are mottled and spotted with grey rather than having the scaly appearance of the female blue cotinga. This species is usually silent, but does sometimes emit fluttering rattles when on the wing.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cotinga amabilis
- Authority
- Gould, 1857
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cotingidae
- Genus
- Cotinga
Range and habitat
This species is found in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Belize. It is a denizen of humid forests and woodland edges, feeding on fruit high in the canopy. Early in the morning, it is often to be seen perched above the canopy on a protruding branch.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Purple-backed Fairywren
Malurus assimilis
A small bird with a very long blue tail that is held cocked. Breeding male has a bright pale-blue helmet, black breast, purple back, and chestnut shoulders. Small pale tips are sometimes visible on the tail. Over much of the species’s inland range, females are overall grayish birds with pale fronts and long blue tails; however, females of the subspecies found in the sandstone regions of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land have contrasting blue crowns and backs. This species occurs over much of arid inland Australia and is found in open vegetation.
Hooded Oriole
Icterus cucullatus
Rather slender, long-tailed oriole. Adult males are orange with a black mask and throat and obvious white shoulder patch. Variable color intensity: Eastern birds (from Texas to the Yucatan Peninsula) are brighter orange; Western birds are more yellow. Females are dull yellow with a grayish wash on the upperparts and sides. Immature males are similar to females, but brighter yellow and with a black throat. Occurs in open woodlands and scrub in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Often seen in parks and neighborhoods, with an affinity for palm trees. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Most similar to female Orchard Oriole, but note the longer, more decurved bill.
White-bellied Fantail
Rhipidura euryura
As the name indicates, a dark gray fantail with a white belly. Also note white eyebrow and white-tipped tail feathers. Malaysian Pied Fantail is somewhat similar, but has a bright white throat, is darker overall, and favors different habitats. Inhabits foothill and montane forests, where it is generally uncommon. Forages actively, often associating with mixed flocks, moving through the lower and middle levels of forest. Often in dense, tangled vegetation. Song is a jumble of high whistled notes. Calls include a quiet “ch’reer” and pips.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.