Phoenicircus carnifex
The Guianan Red Cotinga, Phoenicircus carnifex, is an avian jewel of the Amazon, renowned for the male's breathtaking, fiery red plumage. Males typically measure 22-25 cm (9-10 inches) in length, sporting a brilliant scarlet body contrasted by black wings and tail, along with a distinctive erectile crest of red feathers. Females are slightly smaller, 22-24 cm, and considerably duller, exhibiting rusty-brown to brownish-orange tones, often with a muted crest, providing crucial camouflage for n...
Found primarily in lowland tropical rainforests, particularly preferring forest edges, clearings, and areas of secondary growth. Typically inhabits elevations up to 500-600 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of berries and small drupes, especially from genera such as *Chamaerops*, *Eugenia*, and *Clidemia*. They supplement their fruit diet with insects, including beetles, ants, and larvae, which are typically snatched from foliage or air.
Guianan Red Cotingas are diurnal, often observed perching silently in the mid-story or lower canopy, their brilliant plumage surprisingly blending into the dappled light. Their foraging strategy mainly involves plucking fruits directly from branches or executing short, precise sallies to snatch t...
The Guianan Red Cotinga is a resident species distributed across the northeastern Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield. Its primary range encompasses Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, extending south into northern Brazil. In Brazil, it is found in the states of Amapá, Pará (east of the Tocantins...
Least Concern
- The male Guianan Red Cotinga is considered one of the most intensely scarlet birds in the entire Amazon basin, making it a truly breathtaking sight. - Males engage in an elaborate 'lek' mating system, gathering in communal display areas to perform competitive visual and aerial displays to attra...