Swallow-tailed cotinga

The swallow-tailed cotinga is a species of passerine bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

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Distribution

Region

Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests from southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). Favors mature forest canopies, forest edges, and well-structured secondary growth with tall fruiting trees. It also uses gallery forests along rivers and can traverse open areas between forest patches. Birds may wander locally following fruit availability but remain tied to wooded habitats.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size22–25 cm

Wing Span30–35 cm

Male Weight0.07 kg

Female Weight0.06 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A striking cotinga with an exceptionally long, deeply forked tail and a yellowish bill, it frequents fruiting trees high in the canopy. It plays an important role in seed dispersal across remnants of the Atlantic Forest. Individuals often perch conspicuously, then sally for insects between bouts of fruit feeding.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

generally quiet and watchful

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with buoyant, undulating passes between canopy perches

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may join loose aggregations at fruiting trees alongside other frugivores. Breeding occurs in the austral spring–summer; the nest is a small, open cup placed high in the canopy. Clutches are small (often 1–2 eggs), and parental care includes prolonged attendance at the nest.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include thin, high-pitched whistles and soft, melodic phrases delivered from exposed canopy perches. Calls can be subtle and are often given at dawn and early morning.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Upperparts olive-brown to grayish with subtle mottling; underparts pale with fine dark streaking. Tail very long and deeply forked. Overall appearance sleek, with a smooth, close-lying plumage.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily consumes a wide variety of fleshy fruits, often from Lauraceae and Melastomataceae, swallowing them whole and dispersing seeds. Also hawks or gleans insects and other small arthropods to supplement nutrition, especially during breeding. Foraging is typically deliberate, with short sallies out from high perches.

Preferred Environment

Feeds mostly in the upper canopy and along forest edges where fruiting trees are abundant. Will visit isolated fruiting trees in clearings and along rivers, and occasionally descends to midstory when fruit is scarce.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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