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.
