Purple-throated Fruitcrow

The Purple-throated Fruitcrow is a distinctive, highly social cotinga of Neotropical lowland forest, cloaked almost entirely in glossy black plumage except for the male's striking iridescent purple-magenta throat patch, which can appear dull dark in shade but glows vividly in good light. Females lack the colorful throat patch, appearing uniformly black.

Unlike many cotingas, which tend to be solitary, this species is notably gregarious, typically encountered in small, cooperative family groups that move together through the canopy and mid-story, calling to one another and foraging cooperatively, a social structure that sets it apart from most of its relatives.

Key field marks

• Glossy black plumage overall
• Males show an iridescent purple-magenta throat patch, visible mainly in good light
• Females lack the colored throat patch, appearing entirely black
• Stocky build with a fairly heavy bill
• Usually encountered in small social groups rather than alone

Similar species

• Other all-black cotingas and cacique-like birds can superficially resemble it, but the social group behavior and the male's purple throat patch (when visible) are distinguishing features.
• Crested Oropendola and other icterids are larger with different bill shapes and are not typically confused at close range.

Habitat

Inhabits the canopy and mid-story of humid lowland forest, forest edge, and adjacent secondary growth.

Range

Widespread from Nicaragua and Costa Rica south through Panama and into much of tropical South America, including the Amazon basin.

Migration

Resident and non-migratory throughout its range.

Behavior

Unusually social for a cotinga, living in small cooperative groups that forage, roost, and defend territory together; groups communicate with frequent calls while moving through the canopy.

Voice

A nasal, croaking or grunting call, often given in exchanges between group members as they move through the forest.

Feeding

Feeds on fruit, large insects, and occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards, foraging cooperatively within the group.

Nesting

Cooperative breeding has been documented, with group members sometimes assisting in nest defense; builds a simple platform nest in the canopy.