The chestnut-bellied cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Andes of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador, primarily in humid montane and cloud forests. It favors forest interiors, edges, and patches of elfin forest with abundant fruiting trees. Birds often forage at mid- to upper canopy levels but may descend to forest edges where fruit is plentiful. Fragmentation of cloud forests limits its local movements and concentrations at fruiting sites.
Altitude Range
2000–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small cotinga of humid Andean cloud forests, the chestnut-bellied cotinga is named in honor of ornithologist James V. Remsen. It is often elusive, keeping to the mid- to upper canopy and visiting fruiting trees quietly. Its dependence on intact montane forests makes it vulnerable to habitat loss. Observations are frequently of single birds or pairs rather than large flocks.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally associating loosely with mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Breeding behavior is poorly known, but like many cotingas it likely nests high in trees with minimal nest architecture. Displays are subtle, often involving quiet calling from canopy perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles, often given singly or in short series. Notes can be high-pitched and easily overlooked, sometimes descending or slightly wavering. Calling is infrequent and usually from concealed canopy positions.
Plumage
Male shows slate-gray head and upperparts contrasting with a rich chestnut belly and undertail; feathers are smooth and unpatterned above with clean color blocks. Female is browner overall with a duller, rufous-tinged belly and subtle scaling or mottling below. Both sexes have a compact, broad-based bill and relatively short tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, including those of mistletoes and other canopy plants. It may supplement its diet with occasional insects or other arthropods, especially when fruit is scarce. Foraging is deliberate, with short sallies or reach-and-pluck maneuvers among fruiting branches.
Preferred Environment
Most often at fruiting trees in the mid- to upper canopy of humid cloud forests. Also uses forest edges and semi-open montane habitats with scattered fruiting shrubs and trees.
