The blue cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Colombia, north-west Ecuador, eastern to western Panama and western Venezuela in tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest. In relation to range and population size this species is not considered to be vulnerable.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern to western Panama into western and northern Colombia, northwestern Ecuador, and western Venezuela. Prefers tropical moist lowland forests, especially the canopy and forest edges. It also uses secondary growth and degraded former forest where large fruiting trees remain. Often associated with riverine corridors and foothill forest margins where fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue cotinga is a canopy-dwelling frugivore of humid lowland forests from eastern Panama through western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador and western Venezuela. Males are striking electric blue with black wings and tail, while females are cryptically patterned brown with pale scaling. They often perch quietly atop fruiting trees, making them easier to spot by silhouette than by movement. Despite forest loss in parts of its range, it is currently assessed as Least Concern.
Female Bird
Temperament
quiet and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights between canopy crowns
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, but small loose groups gather at fruiting trees. Courtship likely involves visual displays from prominent perches. Nests are small and placed high in trees; clutch size is typically small, and parental care is primarily by the female.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and infrequent, consisting of thin, high-pitched whistles and brief trills. Males may give simple, ventriloquial notes from the canopy that can be hard to locate.
Plumage
Male is glossy electric blue with contrasting black wings, tail, and mantle; female is brown with fine whitish scaling and mottling on the underparts and a more subdued overall appearance.
Diet
Primarily eats ripe fruits and berries, including figs and other canopy fruits. It perches to pluck fruit and swallows it whole, later regurgitating seeds and aiding forest regeneration. Insects are taken occasionally, especially small flying insects captured during short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the forest canopy at fruiting trees, along forest edges, and over riverine forest. Will utilize secondary growth and degraded habitats if large fruiting trees persist.
