Birds
Spangled Cotinga
Cotinga cayana
Sitting motionless high in the Amazon canopy, a male spangled cotinga reveals brilliant turquoise-blue plumage and a deep purple throat patch, a colour combination striking enough to rival any bird in the forest, yet easy to miss entirely.
Overview
The spangled cotinga, Cotinga cayana, is a Least Concern bird found across lowland rainforest canopy throughout the Amazon basin. Its vivid turquoise-blue plumage and contrasting purple throat patch in males make it one of the most visually striking birds of the Amazon, despite habits quiet and still enough to keep it hidden in plain sight.
Bright colour, quiet habits
Unlike many brightly coloured birds that announce themselves with loud calls or active movement, the spangled cotinga relies on stillness, perching for long stretches high in the canopy where its vivid plumage can go surprisingly unnoticed.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable lowland rainforest canopy habitat throughout the Amazon basin.
Spangled Cotinga: common questions
Why is the spangled cotinga easy to overlook despite its bright colour?
It perches motionless for long periods high in the forest canopy, and its quiet, unobtrusive habits mean it rarely draws attention through calls, letting its vivid colouring go unnoticed against the backdrop of leaves and sky.
What does the spangled cotinga eat?
It is an omnivore, eating mainly fruit along with some insects, foraged high in the canopy.
How can you identify a male spangled cotinga?
Look for brilliant turquoise-blue body plumage contrasted with a deep purple patch on the throat, one of the more striking colour combinations found among Amazon birds.
Where is the spangled cotinga found?
It ranges widely across lowland rainforest canopy throughout the Amazon basin.