cotinga

Cotinga is the common name for a group of neotropical passerine birds in the family Cotingidae. The family comprises around 60 species across several genera, with Cotinga being one of the principal genera. The most well-known member is the purple-throated cotinga (Cotinga cotinga), notable for the striking purple throat in males and its Amazon Basin distribution. Other cotingas exhibit a range of plumage patterns, and in many species the males are more brightly colored than the females.

Cotingas inhabit forests and forest edges from tropical lowlands to foothill regions, with a distribution extending from southern Mexico through Central America and into much of tropical South America, including the Amazon Basin and the Andes foothills. They are typically frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, though some species will take insects, particularly during the breeding season.

Behaviorally, cotingas are generally shy forest birds that forage in the mid to upper canopy. They often exhibit noticeable sexual dimorphism, with males displaying vivid plumage while females tend to be more subdued. Vocalizations are diverse, and courtship displays are a feature of several species, though specifics vary widely across the family.

Conservation status among cotingas ranges from relatively common to locally threatened, depending on species and habitat. Habitat loss and fragmentation in tropical forests pose risks for several cotinga species with restricted ranges. Protection of forest habitats and continued monitoring are important for their conservation.