Cotingas

Cotingas are a diverse family of passerine birds (Cotingidae) found in tropical forests of Central and South America, with the greatest species diversity in the Amazon basin and the Andean foothills. They range in size from small to medium, and males often display striking plumage and crests while females are typically more subdued. The group includes the iconic cock-of-the-rocks in the genus Rupicola, notably the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) and the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, recognized for their bold colors and distinctive head features. Other cotingas include various purple, green, and blue species that inhabit the forest canopy.

Cotingas occupy a variety of forest habitats, from lowland primary forest to secondary growth and forest edges, usually in or near fruiting trees. They are largely frugivorous, feeding on a range of fruits, and also take insects, especially during the breeding season. Their movements are typically tied to fruit availability in the canopy.

Reproduction and behavior are notable for elaborate courtship in some species. In the cock-of-the-rocks, for example, males perform conspicuous displays in leks, where females visit to choose a mate. Nesting involves simple cup-shaped nests built in trees, with parental care shared between sexes in many species.

Taxonomy within Cotingidae has undergone revisions as molecular studies clarified relationships, and the family comprises several genera distributed across the Americas. Habitat loss and deforestation threaten some cotinga species, particularly those with restricted ranges, making conservation concern a consideration for several members of the group.