Screaming Piha
Lipaugus vociferans
One of the most characteristic sounds of Amazonian lowlands. This drab gray cotinga is commonly heard but infrequently seen throughout its range. Perches inconspicuously in the midstory but is betrayed by its song, a quiet introductory series of hoots followed by an ear splitting “SQUEE, SQUEE-AH.” Similar to Grayish Mourner, but is larger and lighter gray, with a larger, broader bill.
Identification
The screaming piha grows to a length of about 25 cm (10 in). Both sexes have dull grey plumage (wings and tail often somewhat duskier) and the underparts are paler grey. Juveniles are grey tinged with brown or rust.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lipaugus vociferans
- Authority
- (Wied-Neuwied, M, 1820)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cotingidae
- Genus
- Lipaugus
Range and habitat
The screaming piha is a common bird in the middle and lower parts of the canopy at altitudes below about 500 m (1,600 ft), or up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in Venezuela and the Andean foothills.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The screaming piha is an elusive bird despite its distinctive voice, remaining still for long periods and blending in with tree branches. It is usually solitary, but may sometimes join a mixed species foraging group. <p>Screaming pihas feed mainly on fruits, but also consumes insects, sometimes flying out from its perch to pluck a fruit or catch an insect in the air with a trogon-like hover.<p>The call of the screaming piha is extraordinarily loud, reaching 116 dB, second only to that of the white bellbird. In the breeding season, up to ten males may gather in loose leks, where they sing to attract females. The sound is frequently used in movies as a sound typical of the Amazon rainforest.
Conservation
The screaming piha is adapting well to human settlement areas like gardens and parks, and is considered to be of least concern by BirdLife International.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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