The red-ruffed fruitcrow is a species of bird in the monotypic genus Pyroderus. It belongs to the family Cotingidae, and is one of the largest passerines in South America. Its common names in Spanish include yacutoro, toropisco montañero, sangretoro, pájaro torero, and cuervo-frutero de garganta roja. This species was first named Coracias scutata by Shaw in 1792, but was later changed to the current scientific name. This species has five subspecies P. s. scutatus, P. s. orenocensis, P. s. granadensis, P. s. masoni, P. s. occidentalis.
Region
Northern Andes and Atlantic Forest of South America
Typical Environment
Found in humid foothill and montane forests of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, as well as in remnants of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest in the southeast. It favors tall, mature forest and adjacent secondary growth, often frequenting forest edges, gaps, and fruiting trees in clearings. Birds are most often seen high in the canopy but will descend to mid-levels when foraging. The species is largely sedentary, making local movements in response to fruit availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-ruffed fruitcrow is a striking cotinga and one of South America’s largest passerines, with a vivid scarlet throat ruff on an otherwise glossy black body. It belongs to the monotypic genus Pyroderus and plays an important role as a seed disperser by swallowing fruits whole. Males give deep, booming calls that carry through humid forests and display prominently at fruiting trees. The species is polytypic, with several recognized subspecies across its wide range.
Pyroderus scutatus illustration 1838
Temperament
quiet and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in small, loose groups, especially at fruiting trees where multiple individuals may gather. Males display conspicuously, puffing the throat ruff while calling from exposed perches. Nesting occurs high in the canopy; the nest is a small, shallow cup placed on sturdy branches. Parental duties are mostly carried out in the canopy where the species spends the majority of its time.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The call is a deep, resonant boom or whoom that carries long distances through humid forest. It also gives softer croaks and grunts around fruiting trees. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and during display.
