Iodopleura pipra
The Buff-throated Purpletuft (*Iodopleura pipra*) is a minute and often overlooked member of the Cotingidae family, renowned for its elusive nature and arboreal habits. Measuring a mere 9.5-11 cm (3.7-4.3 inches) in length and weighing around 10-15 grams, it is among the smallest of the cotingas, often mistaken for a flycatcher due to its foraging style. Males are predominantly dark grey-black with a diagnostic buff throat and creamy-white belly, distinguished by hidden tufts of iridescent vi...
This species exclusively inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of humid lowland and foothill forests, including terra firme and várzea, typically below 800-1000 meters elevation. It shows a preference for forest edges, clearings, and mature secondary growth.
The Buff-throated Purpletuft is an omnivorous species, primarily feeding on small flying insects caught in aerial sallies, supplemented by small fruits and berries gleaned from canopy vegetation.
Buff-throated Purpletufts are diurnal and predominantly solitary or observed in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest canopy. They are highly active foragers, employing a distinct 'sally-strike' technique, flying out from a perch to snatch insects in mid-air befo...
The Buff-throated Purpletuft exhibits a disjunct distribution across humid lowland forests of South America. Its primary range includes southeastern Brazil, particularly within the Atlantic Forest biome, extending into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Isolated populations are also fou...
Least Concern
- The Buff-throated Purpletuft is one of the smallest members of the Cotinga family, often no bigger than a large hummingbird, making it easily overlooked. - Its striking violet-purple flank tufts, which give it its name, are usually kept concealed and are only displayed during courtship or terri...