The function of the large multi-colored bill remains conjectural but it has been suggested that it intimidates other birds at fruiting trees and also reduces mobbing behavior of other birds trying to protect their young. The tooth-like projections on the bill of this species may enhance the effect. Two subspecies are recognized. This is the nominate race found to the northwest in Peru and Columbia. It averages darker, particularly the russet color on its auriculars, nape and thighs compared to P. c. australis which ranges elsewhere in the Amazonian lowlands
