Frugivores are bird species with diets primarily consisting of fruit. This diverse group of birds share a taste for fruit. The family Cotingidae consists of 65 species in 24 genera. We’ll start with the flamboyant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock a boisterous bird we found at Refugio Paz de las Aves.
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock occupies the Andean cloud forests. We observed several males performing leking behavior, including bowing, head bobbing, jumping and wing-flapping in an attempt to get the attention of females. It’s striking plumage consisting of bright red, orange, and black feathers and orange legs and feet.
Orange-breasted Fruiteater
Our next bird is the Orange-breasted Fruiteater, found on the western slope of the Andes. We observed this species at the Reserva Mashpi-Amagusa in the Choco eco-region, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.
Red-crested Cotinga
The third species is the Red-crested Cotinga, also a fruit eater, found in the high Andes. We observed this individual along the road near the Laguna Papallacta, east of Quito at elevation 11,000 feet.
Golden-winged Manakin
The final bird shown here is the Golden-winged Manakin. It is in the Pipidae, not the Contingadae, family, included here because it is also a frugivore. The males display, either along or with other males, exhibiting lek-like behavior to attract a female. While research indicates females along incubate the eggs, little else is known about breeding behavior. We observed this species at Refugio Paz.
