Purple-throated Fruitcrow

The Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Querula purpurata, presents itself as a glossy black bird of medium stature. The male of the species is distinguished by a striking purple-red patch adorning its throat, reminiscent of the gorget found in hummingbirds. This avian creature boasts a short, wide, and pointed bill of a grayish hue, with eyes enshrouded in black and legs of a gray complexion.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Purple-throated Fruitcrow, look for the male's characteristic purple-red throat patch, which extends to the sides of the neck. Both sexes exhibit a lustrous black plumage, and their grayish bill is notably short and wide with a pointed tip.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where it thrives amidst the verdant foliage.

Distribution

The Purple-throated Fruitcrow is native to a broad swath of territory, ranging from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama in Central America, down through the northern half of South America, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It is notably absent from the northeastern and north-central Amazon Basin, adjacent to the Guiana Highlands and southern Venezuela.

Behaviour

In the wild, the Purple-throated Fruitcrow is known to forage in small, chattering groups, moving through the forest canopy. It exhibits a preference for communal nesting, with little effort to conceal its nests, which are often made more conspicuous by the presence of the vociferous assembly of birds in the vicinity.

Diet and Feeding

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Purple-throated Fruitcrow's diet is not limited to fruit; it also partakes in insects, making it an omnivorous feeder within its arboreal habitat.

Conservation status

Despite a declining population trend, the Purple-throated Fruitcrow is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), owing to its commonality and extensive range.