Spangled Cotinga

About

The Spangled Cotinga is a striking passerine bird endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Known for its vibrant plumage, particularly in males, it is a relatively large and robust cotinga, typically found in the mid-story to canopy of humid montane forests. Its diet primarily consists of fruits, playing an important role in seed dispersal within its ecosystem.

Size & lifespan

Length

21-22 cm

Wingspan

Approximately 35-38 cm

Weight

60-75 g

Lifespan

Unknown in the wild, likely 5-10 years based on similar species.

Diet

Frugivore (primarily fruits, occasionally insects)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adult males are spectacular, with a glossy black head, back, and wings. The throat and upper breast are a brilliant, iridescent violet-blue, contrasting sharply with a bright yellow belly and undertail coverts. A distinctive feature is the 'spangled' appearance on the back and wings, caused by iridescent blue-green feather edges. Adult females are much duller, predominantly olive-green above, with a paler, yellowish-green belly and faint dusky streaking on the breast. They lack the iridescent patches of the male.

Beak shape

Relatively short, stout, and slightly hooked, dark gray to black.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Dark gray to black.

Distinguishing features

Male: Iridescent violet-blue throat/breast, bright yellow belly, and 'spangled' black upperparts. Female: Overall olive-green with yellowish belly, lacking bright colors. Both sexes have a somewhat stocky build and a relatively short tail.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adult females, being predominantly olive-green with a paler belly. Young males gradually acquire adult male plumage over several molts, often showing a patchy mix of female-like and male-like feathers.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes are noted beyond the gradual maturation of juvenile males into adult plumage.

Sexual dimorphism

Highly sexually dimorphic. Males are brilliantly colored with iridescent blues and yellows, while females are cryptically colored in olive-greens and yellows.

How to identify

1. 1

   Male Plumage

   Look for the unmistakable combination of glossy black upperparts, iridescent violet-blue throat and upper breast, and bright yellow belly. The 'spangled' effect on the back and wings is also a key field mark.

2. 2

   Female Plumage

   Identify by its overall olive-green coloration, paler yellowish-green belly, and lack of bright iridescent patches. The stocky build and short tail are consistent with the species.

3. 3

   Vocalization

   Listen for the male's distinctive, clear, rising, and mournful whistle ('wheee-oooo'). This is often the first indication of its presence, as they can be difficult to spot visually.

4. 4

   Habitat and Behavior

   Search in the mid-story to canopy of humid montane Atlantic Forest. Observe its quiet, deliberate movements while foraging for fruits, often remaining still for extended periods.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Subtropical/tropical moist montane forests, subtropical/tropical moist lowland forests.

Geographic range

Endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, specifically from southern Bahia and Espírito Santo south through Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, to northern Rio Grande do Sul.

Elevation range

Typically found at elevations between 400 and 1,800 meters (1,300-5,900 feet), occasionally lower.

Preferred environments

Humid montane evergreen forests, particularly in the mid-story and canopy of mature forest, often near forest edges or clearings with fruiting trees. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth and a rich diversity of fruiting plants.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, especially those from trees and shrubs in the families Lauraceae, Melastomataceae, and Rubiaceae. They pluck fruits directly from branches while perched or in short sallies. Occasionally, they may consume insects, particularly during the breeding season to supplement protein intake for chicks.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs. They are often inconspicuous despite their bright plumage, spending much of their time quietly foraging in the dense canopy. They do not typically join mixed-species flocks.

Flight pattern

Typically short, undulating flights between trees within the forest canopy. Not known for long-distance flights.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range, with no significant migratory movements observed. Local movements may occur in response to fruit availability.

Territoriality

Males are believed to be territorial, especially during the breeding season, defending fruiting trees or nesting areas. Their vocalizations may serve to announce their presence and defend territory.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Primarily October to February, coinciding with the rainy season and peak fruit availability.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically small, cup-shaped structures made of twigs, rootlets, and moss, often decorated with lichens, placed on a horizontal branch or in a fork of a tree, usually high in the canopy (5-15 meters above ground). Both parents are thought to participate in nest building.

Clutch size

1-2 eggs.

Egg description

Typically 1-2 eggs, pale greenish-blue or buffy with dark brown or purplish spots and blotches, concentrated at the larger end.

Incubation period

Approximately 18-20 days (estimated, based on similar cotingas).

Fledging period

Approximately 20-25 days after hatching (estimated).

Parental care

Both parents are believed to share incubation duties and care for the young, though the female may take a more prominent role in incubation.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for calls. The Spangled Cotinga is often heard before it is seen. Learn its distinctive whistle and listen carefully, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
2. Scan fruiting trees. Focus your search on trees that are currently fruiting, particularly those known to be favored by cotingas. They can remain motionless for long periods while feeding.
3. Look in the mid-story to canopy. This species typically forages at higher levels in the forest. Use binoculars to scan the upper branches and dense foliage.
4. Be patient and observant. Cotingas are often shy and can be difficult to spot. Patience and quiet observation are key to finding them.

Similar species

Quick facts

Conservation Status:

Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)

Diet:

Frugivorous

Habitat:

Humid montane Atlantic Forest

Endemic to:

Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil

Male Plumage:

Iridescent violet-blue throat, bright yellow belly, black upperparts with 'spangles'

Fun facts

• The 'spangled' appearance on the male's back and wings is due to the iridescent tips of its black feathers, which reflect light in a striking blue-green hue.
• Despite their vibrant colors, male Spangled Cotingas can be surprisingly difficult to spot in the dense forest canopy, often remaining still and blending with shadows.
• Like many cotingas, the Spangled Cotinga plays a crucial ecological role as a seed disperser, helping to regenerate the Atlantic Forest.
• The genus name 'Carpornis' means 'fruit bird', reflecting its primary diet.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Cotingidae

Genus

Carpornis

Species

Carpornis cucullata

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