Lipaugus fuscocinereus
The Dusky Piha (Lipaugus fuscocinereus) is a striking, albeit subtly plumaged, passerine belonging to the Cotingidae family, renowned for its remarkably loud and far-carrying vocalizations that belie its somewhat drab appearance. Averaging 24-25 cm (9.4-9.8 inches) in length and weighing around 80-90 grams (2.8-3.2 ounces), it sports a uniform dusky gray plumage, slightly darker on the wings and tail, with a paler, often whitish, lower belly. Its most distinctive field mark is a piercing whit...
Primarily inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, favoring the understory and mid-story layers of mature evergreen forests. Typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters (3,300-8,200 feet) above sea level.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of small to medium-sized fruits and berries, supplemented occasionally with large insects gleaned from foliage or captured in flight.
The Dusky Piha is a predominantly solitary and diurnal bird, often perching motionlessly for extended periods in the mid-canopy, making it challenging to spot despite its loud calls. Foraging involves sallying forth from a perch to snatch fruits, particularly berries, or occasionally gleaning ins...
The Dusky Piha is a resident species found exclusively in the northern and central Andes of South America. Its geographic distribution spans from the northern cordilleras of Colombia, extending southward through the montane regions of Ecuador, and continuing into the extreme northern parts of Per...
Least Concern
- The Dusky Piha's piercing, far-carrying calls can be heard echoing through the cloud forest from over a kilometer away, often long before the bird itself is spotted. - Its most distinctive physical feature is its bright white iris, a striking contrast against its otherwise drab gray plumage. - ...