The white-winged cotinga is a Vulnerable species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen Atlantic Forest from southern Bahia south through Espírito Santo to at least northern Rio de Janeiro. Favors mature forest canopies but will also use secondary forest and forest edges with tall fruiting trees. Often perches high and makes short commutes between fruiting crowns. Local occurrence is patchy due to forest fragmentation, and it is largely tied to intact canopy tracts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The White-winged Cotinga is a canopy-dwelling fruit specialist of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest; males are a deep purplish color with striking white wings that flash in flight. By swallowing fruits whole and dispersing seeds, it plays an important role in forest regeneration. It is most often seen at fruiting trees, sometimes alongside other frugivores. Habitat loss and fragmentation have led to its listing as Vulnerable.
Temperament
solitary and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, short canopy-to-canopy flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, but may join loose mixed frugivore gatherings at fruiting trees. Displays are subtle; males often perch conspicuously to show contrasting wings. Nests are placed high in trees, and breeding pairs are discreet.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and understated, consisting of thin, high whistles or piping notes. Calls are often given from high perches and can be easy to miss against insect noise.
Plumage
Male with velvety, dark purplish body contrasting with bright white wings; female dull brownish-gray with whitish edging and pale wing patches. Feathers appear smooth and uniform rather than streaked.
Diet
Primarily consumes small to medium-sized fruits and berries, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating or passing the seeds. Frequently targets fruiting trees such as figs and other canopy species. Occasionally supplements diet with small arthropods, especially when feeding young.
Preferred Environment
Feeds almost exclusively in the upper canopy and subcanopy of tall, humid forest. Edge trees and isolated fruiting crowns in secondary growth can also attract foraging birds.
