The black-tipped cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.
Region
Chocó–Darién of western Panama, western Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador
Typical Environment
Inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests on the Pacific slope, most often in the canopy and at forest edges. It favors tall fruiting trees and can occur along rivers, in semi-open forest, and in selectively logged areas if large fruiting trees remain. Most frequently recorded in relatively undisturbed tracts but will sometimes use secondary growth adjacent to primary forest. Generally scarce and local throughout its range due to extensive deforestation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking canopy cotinga of the Chocó biogeographic region, the male is gleaming white with contrasting black wing tips—hence the name. Females are dusky and mottled, offering strong sexual dimorphism. It perches conspicuously atop tall fruiting trees but can be quiet and easily overlooked. Habitat loss in lowland humid forests has made encounters increasingly local.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short direct flights between tall trees; deliberate with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests high in the canopy; breeding behavior is poorly known but likely involves simple perch displays by males. Often associates loosely with other frugivores when trees are in heavy fruit.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and sparse, often a thin, plaintive whistle or a few mellow notes delivered from high perches. Calls can be easily missed amid canopy noise, contributing to the species’ elusive reputation.
Plumage
Male largely snowy white with contrasting black tips to the primaries; female gray-brown with mottled, scaly-looking underparts. Both sexes have smooth, sleek plumage suited to canopy life.
Diet
Primarily consumes small to medium-sized fruits and berries taken from the canopy. Swallows fruit whole and disperses seeds, playing an ecological role in forest regeneration. Occasionally may take small invertebrates, but fruit dominates its diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the forest canopy at fruiting trees, especially in mature or semi-mature forest. Also visits edges and riverside trees where fruit crops are accessible.
