Dusky Purpletuft

From Opus

Revision as of 16:12, 4 February 2009

Photo by alexandre vinot
Location: Paracou, French Guiana.

Iodopleura fusca

Description

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.

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

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.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

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

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.

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