• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Dusky Purpletuft - BirdForum Opus

Revision as of 14:37, 15 July 2007 by KCFoggin (talk | contribs)
Iodopleura fusca
Photo by alexandre vinot
Locality: Paracou, French Guiana.


Identification

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

Distribution

North-eastern South America in SE Venezuela, the Guianas and far N. Brazil. As far as known, uncommon to very rare, but easily overlooked due to its unobtrusive canopy life.

Habitat

Canopy and edge of humid lowland forest.

Behavior

In pairs or small groups. Feeds on berries and some insects. As other purpletufts, it is typically seen perched high on exposed branches.

Taxonomy

Monotypic. Previously considered to be a cotinga (Cotingidae), but today typically placed in Tityridae (Tityras & allies).

External Links

Back
Top