The masked fruiteater is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae endemic to Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests on the eastern flanks of the Andes. Considering the bird's population size and its wide range, this species is classified by the IUCN as being of least concern.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes in subtropical to tropical montane cloud forests. It favors humid primary forest and mature secondary growth with abundant fruiting trees. Birds are most often found in the midstory to canopy, particularly near forest edges, ravines, and along ridges. It can persist in partially disturbed habitats provided fruit resources remain available.
Altitude Range
1500–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The masked fruiteater is a quiet, foliage-loving cotinga found in Peru’s east Andean cloud forests. Males show a distinctive dark facial “mask,” while females are greener and subtly patterned for camouflage. It often perches motionless for long periods before plucking fruit, making it easy to overlook despite being locally fairly common. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern due to its relatively broad elevational range and occurrence in several protected areas.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; occasionally joins mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Courtship includes quiet calling and close-following behavior through midstory perches. The nest is a small, shallow cup placed on a horizontal branch or fork, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles and high, slightly sibilant notes delivered at intervals. Songs and calls are often given from concealed perches, carrying modestly through the forest.
Plumage
Male largely bright green above with cleaner green underparts and a contrasting dark facial mask; female greener overall with fine yellowish to pale streaking or mottling below. Both sexes have compact, neat plumage suited to dense foliage.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, often from Lauraceae and Melastomataceae. It plucks fruit while perched and swallows items whole, sometimes hovering briefly to reach dangling clusters. Insects may be taken opportunistically, especially when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest, at fruiting trees along forest edges, clearings, and ridgelines. Also forages along sheltered ravines where fruiting shrubs are abundant.
