Pompadour Cotinga
Xipholena punicea
The Pompadour Cotinga (Xipholena punicea) is a rare cotinga found in 8 countries, weighing about 68 g. The pompadour cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae.
About the Pompadour Cotinga
The pompadour cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. This species lives in the Amazonian rainforest and has a range that extends across the Amazon Basin and includes Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas. The pompadour cotinga is primarily a frugivore but has been known to consume insects on occasion. This species of cotinga is distinct in that the males have a burgundy head and body, bright white wings, and yellow eyes. Like other members of the Cotingidae, this species is sexually dimorphic and the females have a pale grey head and body. Although there are not many documented observations of the nesting behavior of these birds, the males are known to perform…
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How to identify it
Individuals of Xipholena punicea are sexually dimorphic, with males displaying bright, complex colorization and females appearing more pale and grey. Males of this species have yellow eyes, stark white primary coverts with black wing tips, and a glossy, wine-red head and body. The distinguished burgundy color of the male individuals was previously thought to be a combination of "blue structural color and red carotenoid," but recent experimentation has shown that this species of Cotingidae does not utilize structural coloration.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in September. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Pompadour Cotinga?
- Individuals of Xipholena punicea are sexually dimorphic, with males displaying bright, complex colorization and females appearing more pale and grey. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Pompadour Cotinga?
- The Pompadour Cotinga is a medium sized bird weighing about 68 g.
- Where can you see a Pompadour Cotinga?
- The Pompadour Cotinga occurs in 8 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
- What birds look similar to a Pompadour Cotinga?
- The Pompadour Cotinga is most easily confused with the White-winged Cotinga and the White-tailed Cotinga.
- Is the Pompadour Cotinga endangered?
- The Pompadour Cotinga is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Pompadour Cotinga for real
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