Haematoderus militaris
The Crimson Fruitcrow (Haematoderus militaris) is a magnificent and strikingly colored member of the Cotingidae family, renowned for its brilliant plumage. Males are unmistakable, boasting a spectacular, glossy crimson body contrasted sharply with black wings and tail. Their head features a distinctive erectile crest and an area of bare, black facial skin around the eye, lending them a helmet-like appearance that likely inspired its 'militaris' epithet. Measuring approximately 38-41 cm (15-16...
Found primarily in undisturbed lowland tropical rainforests, especially in terra firme forests, often along forest edges, clearings, or rivers with emergent trees, typically below 500 meters elevation.
Primarily frugivorous, feeding extensively on arillate fruits from various trees, especially those from the Burseraceae, Myristicaceae, and Arecaceae families; occasionally supplements its diet with large insects.
Crimson Fruitcrows are generally diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time high in the forest canopy. They are largely solitary or observed in pairs, occasionally forming small, loose groups while foraging. Their foraging strategy involves plucking fruits directly from branches, often mak...
The Crimson Fruitcrow exhibits a disjunct distribution across northern South America, primarily within the Amazon Basin. Its main populations are found in eastern Venezuela (e.g., Bolívar state), throughout the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana), and in a significant portion of northea...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'Haematoderus militaris' translates roughly to 'blood-skinned soldier,' referencing the male's vibrant crimson plumage and distinctive, helmet-like crest and bare facial skin. - It is the only species in its genus, Haematoderus, making it a monotypic and evolutionarily disti...