The fiery-throated fruiteater is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is becoming rare due to habitat destruction of its rainforest habitat.
Region
Western Amazon Basin and Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east slope of the Andes from southern Colombia through eastern Ecuador to northern Peru. It inhabits humid foothill and lower montane forests, including terra firme and well-drained ridges. Birds are most often seen in the midstory to subcanopy at fruiting trees, occasionally at forest edges or along streams. The species tolerates lightly disturbed forest but generally avoids open, heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
300–1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small cotinga of humid Andean foothill forests, the fiery-throated fruiteater is most easily found by watching fruiting trees where pairs often forage quietly. Males show a striking orange to fiery-red throat patch that glows in dim forest light, while females are more cryptic and finely scalloped below. They typically sit motionless for long periods, making them easy to overlook despite their bright colors. Local populations can be sensitive to forest clearing and fragmentation.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Courtship involves simple perch displays and soft vocalizations from exposed branches. The nest is a small cup placed on a horizontal fork or slender branch in the midstory. Both parents are thought to share duties, as in many cotingas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles or high, sibilant notes given sporadically from cover. Calls can be easily missed amid insect noise and are often used while the bird remains motionless.
Plumage
Male is bright leaf-green above with a vivid fiery-orange to red throat and upper breast, often contrasting with yellowish, lightly scalloped underparts; female is greener overall with fine yellowish scaling on the underparts and lacks the fiery throat. Both sexes have short, soft-looking plumage suited to humid forest midstory.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating seeds, which helps disperse forest plants. It targets fruiting trees and shrubs in the midstory and subcanopy. Occasional small arthropods may be taken, especially when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at fruiting trees within intact humid foothill and lower montane forests, especially along ridges and slopes. Also forages along quiet forest edges and near streams where fruit resources concentrate.
