The black-chested fruiteater is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, mostly on the eastern side of the Andes. Its natural habitat is subtropical and tropical moist montane forests and the IUCN lists its status as being of "least concern".
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern slope of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, mainly in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors mature forest but also uses edges, secondary growth, and forested ravines where fruiting trees are abundant. Birds usually keep to the midstory and canopy and may descend lower along forest edges and clearings. Presence is closely tied to availability of fruit throughout the year.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A high-Andean cotinga, the black-chested fruiteater is most often found quietly foraging in fruiting trees along the eastern slope of the Andes. Males are readily recognized by a bold black chest band, while females are more cryptically patterned. It typically keeps to the midstory and canopy, where it may join mixed-species flocks at abundant fruit sources. Despite a relatively limited range, it remains fairly common in suitable montane forest.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; often attends mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Breeding occurs in montane forest, where a small cup nest is placed on a branch or in dense foliage. Clutch size is small, typically 1–2 eggs, and parental care is discreet within the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, consisting of thin whistles or brief, subdued phrases delivered from within the canopy. Calls can be easily overlooked in the ambient sounds of cloud forest. Song is sporadic and often given at dawn.
Plumage
Male with bright green upperparts and a striking, solid black chest band contrasting with yellowish underparts; female greener overall with finely mottled or scalloped underparts and lacking the bold band. Both sexes have relatively plain green backs and cleaner-colored bellies compared to similar fruiteaters.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially from Lauraceae and Melastomataceae. It swallows fruit whole and later regurgitates seeds, contributing to forest regeneration. Occasional small arthropods may be taken, but fruit dominates the diet year-round.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest and at forest edges where fruiting trees are concentrated. Frequently visits isolated fruiting trees along ridgelines, landslides, and light gaps.
