The golden-breasted fruiteater is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae, the cotingas. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela, favoring moss-laden, mature forests with dense midstory. It frequents forest interiors, edges, and gaps where fruiting trees are abundant. Birds typically forage in the mid to upper canopy and may descend to lower levels along ravines and forested slopes. It tolerates some secondary growth if fruit resources are plentiful, but relies on intact forest structure. The species is generally local but can be fairly common where habitat remains.
Altitude Range
1200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling cotinga of the northern Andes, the golden-breasted fruiteater is most easily detected by the male’s vivid golden breast. It moves quietly between fruiting trees and often stays motionless for long periods, blending into the mossy, green forest. Like many frugivores, it plays an important role in seed dispersal. Pairs or small family groups are most often seen, especially at fruiting hotspots.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights between fruiting trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; loosely associates with other frugivores at fruiting trees. Nesting is in a small, well-concealed cup placed on mossy branches within dense montane forest. Courtship is subdued compared to many cotingas, with brief chases and soft calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and minimalist: thin, whistled notes and short, mellow phrases delivered intermittently. Calls are easily overlooked amid ambient forest sounds and are best detected at close range during calm periods.
Plumage
Males have rich emerald-green upperparts with a striking golden-yellow breast and cleaner yellow throat; underparts below the breast are greenish. Females are overall green with fine yellowish barring or streaking on the underparts, offering excellent camouflage in foliage. Both sexes show smooth, satiny feathering typical of fruiteaters.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially from Lauraceae and Melastomataceae. It plucks or gleans fruit and swallows items whole, later regurgitating seeds and aiding forest regeneration. Insects are taken occasionally, likely as a protein supplement, especially during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of humid montane forest, visiting fruiting trees along edges, clearings, and steep ravines. It often uses mossy perches to sally to nearby fruit clusters and moves methodically through fruit-rich patches.
