Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema
The Purple-throated Cotinga, Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema, is a captivating and relatively little-known gem of the Amazonian rainforests, celebrated for the male's striking plumage. Measuring around 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing approximately 50-60 grams, the adult male is predominantly a glossy, iridescent black, dramatically contrasted by a brilliant, shimmering purple throat patch that can appear black in certain light. This distinct field mark makes the male unmistakable. Fe...
Found exclusively in the canopy and subcanopy of humid lowland evergreen forests, including both *terra firme* (upland) and *várzea* (seasonally flooded) forest types, typically at elevations below 600 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a variety of fruits, especially those from laurel and palm trees; they supplement this with insects such as beetles and ants, typically gleaned from foliage.
Purple-throated Cotingas are largely solitary or observed in pairs, spending their days quietly foraging high in the forest canopy. They are diurnal, with no specific roosting habits extensively documented beyond resting within dense foliage. Foraging involves perching to pluck fruits directly fr...
The Purple-throated Cotinga is resident across a significant portion of the western Amazon basin. Its distribution spans from extreme southeastern Colombia, through eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and into western Brazil. In Brazil, its range extends west of the Rio Negro and Madeira Rivers, cover...
Least Concern
- The male Purple-throated Cotinga is so strikingly beautiful it's often referred to as a 'living jewel' of the Amazon. - Despite its vibrant plumage, this species is remarkably inconspicuous and often goes unnoticed by birders due to its quiet nature and habit of perching motionless in the canop...