The chestnut-capped piha is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is endemic to a small portion of Colombia's central Andes in the department of Antioquia. The chestnut-capped piha resides only in a narrow band of humid premontane cloud forest. It is a dark grey passerine with a notable chestnut crown on the upper nape and pale cinnamon-colored undertail coverts. Adults are small for pihas, measuring about 20 to 25 cm long. Males have modified primary feathers with elongated and stiff barbules that enable them to create a whirring noise with their wings, which the piha likely uses for display purposes. Its call is extremely loud and can be heard over 100 m (330 ft) away. The chestnut-capped piha is mostly frugivorous, although it will eat some invertebrates. Little is known about the species' breeding ecology, although it is believed to be a lekking species.
Region
Central Andes (Antioquia, Colombia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in a very localized band of humid premontane cloud forest on ridges and steep slopes. It favors mature to late-secondary forest with abundant fruiting trees and a dense midstory. Birds are most often encountered in the midstory to subcanopy and along forested edges or ravines. The range is highly fragmented due to logging and conversion to pasture and crops.
Altitude Range
1200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive cotinga is confined to a narrow belt of premontane cloud forest in Antioquia, Colombia. Males have modified primaries that produce an audible whirring during display flights, and the species’ piercing call carries well over 100 meters. Habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture has driven it to the brink, making it one of the most threatened Andean birds.
Close-up of the chestnut-capped piha's head.
An aerial view of Anorí, near which is the majority of the piha's range.
Chestnut-capped piha perched on branch
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with audible wing-whirr; quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs while foraging, but males gather at small leks to display. Likely builds a simple cup nest placed on horizontal branches in dense midstory, though nesting is poorly documented. Territorial behavior is subtle, with males advertising by call and wing noise.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, clear, piercing whistle delivered singly or in spaced series, often repeated from semi-concealed perches. Calls carry long distances through cloud forest and are a primary means of detection.
