From Opus

Photo by alexandre vinot
Paracou, French Guiana, February 2007

Iodopleura fusca

[edit] Identification

Total length 12 cm (5 in)
A plump, dark brownish-black bird with white rump, central underparts and crissum. The males' purple flank-tufts are often hidden under the wings, and the otherwise identical females lack them completely.

[edit] Similar species

Virtually unmistakable, but superficially similar to the Swallow-winged Puffbird. No overlap with the Buff-throated Purpletuft or the White-browed Purpletuft.

[edit] Distribution

North-eastern South America in south-eastern Venezuela, the Guianas and far northern Brazil.

As far as known, uncommon to very rare, but easily overlooked due to its unobtrusive canopy life.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

Traditionally considered to be a cotinga (Cotingidae), but recent proposals would place this species in Tityridae (Tityras & allies).

[edit] Habitat

Canopy and edge of humid lowland forest.

[edit] Behaviour

In pairs or small groups. As other purpletufts, it is typically seen perched high on exposed branches.

[edit] Diet

Feeds on berries and some insects.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist

• List of references

[edit] External Links