Dusky Piha

The Andengraupiha ( Lipaugus fuscocinereus ), sometimes also called Langschwanzpiha, is a species of bird in the family jewelry birds ( Cotingidae ). The species has a large distribution area, which includes the South American countries: Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The stock is assessed by the IUCN as endangered not (Least Concern ) The species is monotypic.

Features

The Andengraupiha reaches a body length of about 32.5 to 33 centimeters, 15 centimeters which accounts for the tail. The short, thick beak is slightly curved. The plumage is completely gray, the wings are a bit darker. At the rear of the bottom and on the tail it is brownish in color.

Distribution and habitat

It can be observed in mountain forest edges and in the typical forest landscapes of the Andes at altitudes between 2000 and 3000 meters in the canopy of the trees the birds occasionally. In Colombia, he is in the National Park Cueva de los Guácharos and to the west of the department of Putumayo ago. He is also in the northern West Andes Cordillera de Paramillo, only sporadically in the central Andes ( above all in the Magdalena River Valley ) and on both sides slope of the eastern Andes in the departments of Norte de Santander and Cundinamarca present. In Ecuador, it occurs on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Here you can see him in alder forests on the road from Cuyuja to Nueva Loja. More often, you can watch it in SierrAzul Cloud Forest Reserve and in Cabañas San Isidro. In Peru, it is found in the extreme north at Cerro Chinguela in the regions of Piura and Cajamarca.

Behavior

It is a very quiet, little active bird perching mostly in the dense forest canopy. Less often he sits on a highly visible branches. Every now and then you can watch him screaming from tree to tree flying. He rarely accompanied other companions, but this can also happen. When you see him with other birds together, then usually a larger species such as Bergkassike are ( Cacicus chrysonotus ) Türkishäher ( Cyanolyca Turcosa ) or blue back - Bergtangare ( Buthraupis montana). He eats his fruit similar to many trogons, by leading them with a lunge to the bill and it easily beats its wings.