The band-tailed fruiteater is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae, the cotingas. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the humid east slopes of the central and southern Peruvian Andes into western Bolivia. It inhabits mossy montane and cloud forests, often along forest edges, gaps, and steep ravines. Birds typically use the midstory to canopy and may visit fruiting trees in partially disturbed forest. It is local but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A quiet, canopy-dwelling cotinga of Andean cloud forests, the band-tailed fruiteater is most often detected by its thin, high whistles rather than by movement. It plays an important role in seed dispersal by swallowing small fruits whole and passing the seeds intact. Both sexes are largely green and can be surprisingly hard to spot among mossy foliage, with the pale tail band being a key field mark.
Female
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often remaining still for long periods in the midstory. Joins mixed-species frugivory at fruiting trees. Nests are small cups placed on horizontal branches in dense, mossy forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of whistles, often given from concealed perches. Notes can be spaced and slightly descending, carrying surprisingly far in still forest air.
Plumage
Largely green with brighter green upperparts and yellowish to olive-washed underparts that may show fine mottling or scaling. Tail shows a distinct pale terminal band. Females are duller and more mottled below; sexes otherwise similar.
Diet
Primarily small fruits and berries from canopy and midstory trees and shrubs, including melastomes and other fleshy-fruited plants. Fruits are swallowed whole, and seeds are later regurgitated or defecated, aiding plant dispersal. Occasionally supplements diet with small arthropods, especially during breeding or when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid montane and cloud forests. Frequently visits fruiting trees along forest edges, gaps, and ridgelines.
