Kings Of The Canopy

Arguably the most spectacular bird family after the birds of paradise, the cotingas are rare jewels in aviculture, says BILL NAYLOR, where the spangled is most likely to be encountered.

- Bill Naylor

THERE is no such thing as a typical cotinga. This is one of the most diverse families of tropical birds, and the 98 species it includes have various names including berry peckers, fruit eaters, bellbirds, fruit crows and the well known cocks-of-the-rock.

Cotingas range in size from the wren-sized quirkily named buff-throated purple tuft (Iodopleura pipra) to the three species of umbrella bird that are up to 51cm (20in) in length. Some are sexually dimorphic; in others both sexes have similar plumage. Several have wattles or coloured patches of skin. The capuchin bird (Perissocephalus tricolor ) appears to be peering out from under a feathered hoody.

Loud and Proud

The mourners, becards, attilas and pihas are mainly drab and deemed uninteresting by aviculturists. But the screaming piha (Lipaugus vociferans), heard on the soundtracks of many jungle films, is exhibited in zoos purely for its voice. This is reputed to be disturbingly loud, reminiscent of a police siren.

The seven species of blue cotinga in the genus Cotinga lack impressive vocals and rely on their looks. Averaging 18cm (7in) in length, they are all similar in size and coloration. Two of the primaries have wavy edges and the seventh is short – this produces a whirring sound in flight, similar to manakins. Females are chat-like with fulvous-brown plumage and thrush-type mottling. The males have stunning blue plumage with purple on the belly, chest or throat in varying amounts.