The red-crested cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andes from western Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and elfin woodlands, often near ridgelines. Birds are most frequently seen in the mid to upper canopy, especially at fruiting trees. It also uses secondary growth and forest clearings adjacent to mature forest. Local altitudinal movements may occur following fruit availability.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Andean cotinga is named for the male’s erectile rufous-red crest, which it raises during display. It often sits quietly and motionless in the mid to upper canopy, making it easy to overlook despite its size. By swallowing fruits whole and dispersing seeds, it plays an important role in montane forest regeneration.
Temperament
solitary and quiet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. The male raises and fans the crest during courtship displays. Nests are shallow cups placed on horizontal branches, with small clutches (often 1–2 eggs). Both parents are believed to participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and understated: thin, high-pitched whistles and soft piping notes. Calls may include brief, plaintive phrases given from a high perch, most often at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Mostly ashy to slate-gray with darker wings and tail; subtle pale edging on wing coverts and a paler throat. Males show an erectile rufous-red crest; females have a smaller, duller crest. Overall appearance is smooth-plumaged and fairly uniform, with clean contrasts rather than heavy streaking.
Diet
Primarily feeds on a variety of forest fruits and berries, including those of laurels and other montane trees. It swallows small fruits whole and later regurgitates or passes the seeds. Occasionally supplements its diet with insects gleaned from foliage or taken during short sallies. Foraging is typically deliberate and methodical rather than energetic.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the mid to upper canopy at fruiting trees along forest edges, gaps, and ridgelines. It also uses secondary growth and ecotones where fruit is abundant. Perches quietly, scanning for ripe clusters before moving to the next tree.
