Red-crested Cotinga

Rotschopfkotinga

The Rotschopfkotinga ( Ampelion rubrocristatus ) or sometimes Rotschopfzuser is a species of bird in the family jewelry birds ( Cotingidae ). This species has a large distribution area, which is limited to the countries of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. The stock is assessed by the IUCN as endangered not (Least Concern ).

Features

The Rotschopfkotinga reaches a body length of about 20.5 to 21 inches, with a weight of about 66 grams. She has red eyes and a small light gray thick beak acts with black spots, the white in the field. The strikingly long flat dark - reddish- brown cap stretches to the neck and is erected only in a state of arousal. The wings, the tail and a black stripe over her eyes are blackish. The feathers on the rump and vent are dotted white and decorated to the cloaca in addition with white edges. The whitish belly is gradually gray towards the chest. The inner webs of the tail feathers have a large white band that stands out in particular in flight.

The plumage of the upper surface of young birds varies between a bright olive and a warm brown color and is crossed by broad dark stripes. This light olive to brown is also unclear at the crown, the rump, and the large and middle coverts. The shield spring is highlighted in white. The also laced with dark stripes bottom acts cinnamon to pale reddish brown.

Distribution and habitat

They move mainly at the edges of undisturbed cloud forest, relatively open terrain, semi moist forests and groves, especially if are present near alders. You often see them in wooded areas with Polylepis, and Escalloniaceae Bergaralien ( Oreopanax ). They live at altitudes of 2400-3700 meters. In Venezuela, they are found in the Sierra de Perijá in the state of Zulia, in the Andes mountains near the Táchiras Páramo Cendé and Páramo Jabón. In Colombia they are virtually on all three Andean mountain ranges, ie prior to the western, central and eastern Cordilleras. In Ecuador they are present at two Andean chains. In Peru to Bolivia they are found only in the most of eastern Andes. Just to the north of Peru to meet them also on the slopes of the western Andes. In Bolivia, the range extends into the Cochabamba Department.

Behavior

Normally you can see Rotschopfkotingas in pairs, every now and then but also Alone or small family groups. In exceptional cases, they are sometimes observed with up to 10 other dogs in a tree with fruit. They usually sit vertically in the trees and bushes, so that they can in search of berries (eg mistletoe berries) up slightly and climb down. Often they do not move a long time, so that they act sluggish and almost tame. Not unusual to see them on the hunt for insects soar briefly, only to end up back on their stemmed place. When they hit a competitors for the food, set its tuft on half diagonally and spread the tail upwards. They raise their voices to the threat. Their wing beats rattling sound. Your throaty vocals similar to the sounds of a frog and sounds like rreh or bababarr. Especially during conflicts they encounter from a softer eh- eh- eh- eh. Their nests they build from twigs and lichens, which they shape into a chalice.

Research History and etymology

D' Orbigny and Lafresnaye used in their first description taxon Ampelis rubrocristata. Only later the bird was categorized in the genus Ampelion. The word comes from the Greek Revival Ampelion word from ampelouriós and means as much as from the vineyards. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin rubrocristatus ruber words for red, rust and cristatus for comb- bearing starting.