Cotingas
Cotingas
Cotingidae
The Hidden Gems of the Rainforest: Cotingas (Cotingidae) are some of the most vibrant and mysterious birds of Central and South America. From electric blues and fiery oranges to deep purples, these birds look like they’ve stepped out of a fantasy world. But beyond their striking appearances, cotingas are also known for their unique calls, elaborate courtship displays, and secretive nature. Many species, like the Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana), spend their days high in the canopy, often unseen despite their dazzling colors. Others, like the Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), gather in noisy leks where males compete in energetic dances to impress females. Some species are so rare that they’ve only been spotted a handful of times, like the elusive Kinglet Calyptura (Calyptura cristata), once thought extinct. One of the most bizarre members of the family is the Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus), with its mohawk-like crest and long throat wattle. Even stranger, male Bare-throated Bellbirds (Procnias nudicollis) produce a metallic, bell-like call that echoes through the forest. Despite their beauty, many cotingas are threatened by deforestation, as they rely heavily on intact rainforests. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring that these avian treasures don’t disappear before they’re fully understood. Spotting a cotinga in the wild is a rare privilege—one that reveals the hidden magic of the rainforest.