The plum-throated cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western and central Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforest of Bolivia, Brazil (western Amazon), Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It favors terra firme and várzea forests, forest edges, and riverine corridors with abundant fruiting trees. Most activity is in the mid- to upper canopy, where it forages and displays from prominent perches. It is generally absent from heavily degraded habitats but may use tall secondary growth near intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males are striking sky-blue with a deep purple throat, while females are cryptically patterned brown with pale barring—classic cotinga sexual dimorphism. It spends most of its time high in the canopy, often perched motionless for long periods. By swallowing fruits whole and passing or regurgitating the seeds, it plays an important role in Amazonian forest regeneration. The species name refers to the Maynas (Maynas/Maynas Mission) region of northern Peru.
Temperament
solitary and quiet
Flight Pattern
short direct flights between canopy trees
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally loosely associating at fruiting trees. Males display from high, exposed perches and may form loose leks. The nest is a small, shallow platform placed high in the canopy; the female is thought to take the lead in incubation and chick care. Breeding timing varies locally with fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally not very vocal; gives soft, thin whistles and brief trills from the canopy. Calls are subtle but can carry in still conditions, often delivered between long periods of perching.
Plumage
Male with bright turquoise-blue body, blackish wings and tail, and a rich purple throat and upper breast; female brownish-gray with heavy pale spotting and barring giving a scaly appearance.
Diet
Primarily consumes ripe fruits and berries, including figs and other soft, lipid-rich species. It swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates or passes seeds, aiding seed dispersal. Occasionally supplements its diet with small invertebrates, especially when fruit is scarce. Foraging is mostly sit-and-scan from a high perch with short sallies to nearby fruiting branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of intact and semi-open rainforest, especially at isolated fruiting trees. Common along river edges, floodplain forests (várzea), and canopy gaps where fruit is abundant. Will also visit tall secondary growth adjacent to primary forest.
