Conioptilon mcilhennyi
The Black-faced Cotinga (*Conioptilon mcilhennyi*) is a distinctive and somewhat enigmatic passerine bird, a member of the diverse Cotingidae family. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing between 50-68 grams, its most striking feature is its entirely sooty gray body plumage, sharply contrasting with a velvety black face and throat. This monochromatic palette is further punctuated by remarkably bright, almost glowing, blue-white irises, making it instantly recogn...
Found primarily in humid lowland evergreen forests, often favoring areas near rivers or oxbow lakes. It typically inhabits the subcanopy and canopy layers, generally below 600 meters in elevation.
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of small to medium-sized fruits, notably those of *Cecropia* and *Ficus* trees. It supplements its diet with insects, caught by sallying.
The Black-faced Cotinga is largely arboreal and diurnal, spending its days foraging within the forest canopy, often perched quietly and unobtrusively. Its foraging strategy primarily involves plucking fruits directly from branches, though it will occasionally sally out to catch insects in flight....
The Black-faced Cotinga is endemic to the western Amazon Basin of South America. Its primary range encompasses southeastern Peru, extending through the departments of Madre de Dios, Ucayali, and Loreto. It also occurs in southwestern Brazil, specifically in the states of Acre, Rondônia, and Amazo...
Least Concern
- The Black-faced Cotinga is the sole species in its genus, *Conioptilon*, making it a monotypic marvel. - Unlike many cotingas known for their extreme sexual dimorphism, both male and female Black-faced Cotingas share the same striking black and sooty-gray plumage with brilliant blue eyes, a rar...