The Peruvian plantcutter is an Vulnerable species of bird in the family Cotingidae, the cotingas. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Northwest coastal Peru
Typical Environment
Found patchily in arid coastal scrub and Prosopis-dominated dry forest, especially in thorny mesquite (algarrobo) groves and hedgerows. It also uses degraded scrub, field edges, and riparian thickets where native shrubs persist. The species keeps close to dense, low shrubs and small trees, typically foraging a few meters above ground. Habitat fragmentation has produced a highly discontinuous range tied to remaining mesquite woodlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Peruvian plantcutter is a leaf-eating cotinga with a finely serrated bill adapted for clipping foliage—unusual among passerines. It is restricted to arid coastal scrub in northwest Peru, where loss of mesquite (algarrobo) woodland has driven declines. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring dry forest patches such as those in Bosque de Pómac.
Peruvian plantcutter, female
Peruvian plantcutter, male
Temperament
quiet and skulking in dense scrub
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs maintain small territories in suitable patches of dry forest. Nests are placed low in shrubs or small trees, where 2–3 eggs are typically laid and both parents take part in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, buzzy or scratchy notes given from within cover or from low perches. Males may deliver short rattling phrases during display, interspersed with quiet contact calls.
Plumage
Male is mostly slate-gray with a contrasting black facial mask and a bold white wing patch; underparts show pale, fine streaking. Female is warm brown with heavy streaking below and a duller, less contrasting wing patch. Both sexes show a stout, serrated-edged bill adapted for cutting leaves.
Diet
Primarily folivorous, clipping young leaves, buds, and shoots with its serrated bill. Mesquite (Prosopis pallida) foliage is a key resource, supplemented by leaves and flowers of other dry-forest shrubs. It may also take small fruits or flowers seasonally but remains largely reliant on foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense mesquite and thorny scrub, often 1–3 meters above ground. Field margins, hedgerows, and riparian thickets with native shrubs are frequently used when intact forest is scarce.
