Blue Cotinga

The blue cotinga, Cotinga nattererii, presents a striking figure in its forest home. The male is particularly resplendent with glossy blue plumage, complemented by a black bib. An iridescent purple sheen adorns the throat and breast, while a black ring encircles the eye. The wings and tail are black with broad blue margins, and a distinctive circular patch of purple graces the belly. The female, in contrast, is clad in dark brown with pale margins on each feather, giving her a scaly appearance, and her underparts are a lighter brown with buff margins.

Identification Tips

When identifying the blue cotinga, look for the male's vibrant blue plumage and the black and purple accents on the throat, breast, and belly. The female can be recognized by her scaly brown upperparts and paler brown underparts with buff feather margins. The small head and plump, dove-like body are characteristic of both sexes.

Habitat

This species thrives in tropical moist lowland forests, including the canopy of primary forests and tall secondary growth. It can also be found in areas of heavily degraded former forest.

Distribution

The blue cotinga's range extends from central Panama through Colombia, north-west Ecuador, and into western Venezuela. It is typically found at elevations up to 900 meters (3,000 feet).

Behaviour

A mostly solitary bird, the blue cotinga occasionally gathers in groups when feeding on fruiting trees. The male often perches motionless on high emergent trees, where his brilliant coloration may blend with the sky. While not known for vocalizations, the male may produce a whirring or rattling sound with his wings during flight, possibly as a display behavior.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the blue cotinga consists predominantly of fruit, which it plucks in brief hovering flights.

Conservation status

With a broad range and described as fairly common within its habitat, the blue cotinga is currently assessed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Similar Species

The turquoise cotinga (Cotinga ridgwayi) bears a resemblance to the blue cotinga but occupies a different geographical range, reducing the likelihood of confusion between the two species.