Rufous Piha

The rufous piha, a member of the Cotingidae family, is a bird of considerable charm. Adults measure approximately 23.5 cm in length, with both sexes presenting a similar appearance. Their plumage is a delightful reddish-cinnamon across the upper parts, transitioning to a slightly paler hue on the underparts, with the throat being the lightest in color. A broad bill, which may be flesh-colored or brown at the base, complements their striking appearance, and a subtle ring may occasionally be observed around the eye.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the rufous piha, one should note its uniform coloration and robust bill. It can be mistaken for the speckled mourner, but the piha is distinguishable by its larger size, stouter bill, and relatively shorter tail. The male rufous piha is also known for its piercing, whistling calls, which can aid in identification.

Habitat

The rufous piha is a denizen of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where it prefers the middle and lower strata of the forest canopy. It is rarely seen at ground level, favoring the security and resources found within the lush foliage above.

Distribution

This species enjoys a broad range across Central and South America, being found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Behaviour

The rufous piha is somewhat of a languid creature, often perching for extended periods before bursting into action to catch insect prey. It is adept at hovering to pluck food from the air or foliage and is known to carry any food items it gathers from the ground to a perch before consuming them.

Song & Calls

The male rufous piha's vocal repertoire includes a variety of piercing and whistling calls, which resonate through the forest air and can be quite helpful for birdwatchers trying to locate these elusive birds.

Breeding

In Costa Rica, the breeding season for the rufous piha spans from March to August, with indications of possibly two broods being raised within a year.

Diet and Feeding

The rufous piha's diet is predominantly frugivorous, favoring the fruits of laurels and palms. However, it also supplements its diet with invertebrates, such as insects and spiders, skillfully snatched from the air or foliage.

Conservation status

With an estimated population ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 individuals, the rufous piha is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Although there may be a slight decline due to deforestation, particularly in Colombia and Ecuador, the species is not currently considered to be under significant threat.