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Cotingas of Guyana
(Cotingidae)
Purple-breasted Cotinga, taken by Chris Collins Spangled Cotinga,taken by Chris Collins
According to many top Neotropical birdwatchers, Guyana is one of the best places in South America to see several highly sought-after species of Cotingas, including Crimson Fruitcrow, Guianan Red-Cotinga, Dusky Purpletuft, Capuchinbird, and Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock. After a one-week birdwatching trip through Guyana, during which the group saw 11 species of Cotingas, the writer Simon Papps declared Guyana as, "Cotinga Central" in the February 2007 issue of Birdwatch magazine. In Guyana there are 16 different species of Cotingas, and birdwatchers have a great chance of seeing many of them.
Identification
Cotingas are amongst South America's most colorful birds, but it is typically only the males that have brilliantly colored plumage and, in some cases, outrageous crests and wattles. In comparison, the females are quite lackluster in appearance. A prime example is the male Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, which is bright orange with an amazing crest; the females are a dull brown.
Although Cotingas vary greatly in appearance, they typically have compact bodies, relatively large heads, broad bills that are often slightly hooked at the tip, rounded wings, and strong, stout legs. Overall size also varies, with lengths ranging from 3-20 inches (8-50 cm).
Despite their striking appearance, some Cotingas are first identified by their calls, which can carry for long distances through the forest. The most recognizable sound throughout Guyana's tropical forests is that of the Screaming Piha, a bird whose drab appearance can make it very difficult to find.
Behavior
One of the most recognized and amazing behaviors of certain Cotingas is the communal courtship rituals that take place at leks. Two species that are well known for these communal displays are the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock and the Capuchinbird. Males gather at leks and compete for the attention of the females by a combination of spectacular displays and calls. For those keen to get great looks at these species, visiting a lek provides a fantastic opportunity that is likely to be amongst the highlight of a birding holiday to Guyana.
Cotingas are polygamous birds, and after the courtship and mating most females rear the young (typically just one) on their own. Most Cotingas are fruit eaters and play an important role in the regeneration of tropical forests through the dispersal of seeds, but some will supplement their diet with invertebrates.
Habitat
Cotingas are restricted to the Neotropics, with a range from northern Mexico to northern Argentina. Although many species are found in lowland primary tropical forest, others range into montane forest. Unfortunately, with ongoing deforestation throughout much of South America, approximately one-third of Cotinga species are considered to be under some form of threat.
Within Guyana
With pristine rainforest covering roughly 80 percent of the country, Guyana has a healthy population of Cotingas, and many birdwatchers comment on the relative ease with which you can find them. Screaming Pihas, for example, are heard widely throughout all forested areas of Guyana, and their call is a good sign of a healthy rainforest.
But one of the most wanted species is the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, and there are several known leks in Guyana. For those looking for a spectacular backdrop, the lek at Kaieteur Falls is recommended, however the species can also be seen along Iwokrama's Cock-of-the-Rock trail, and on a nature trail outside of the Amerindian village of Wowetta.
Iwokrama Centre for Rain Forest Conservation offers some prime locations to spot Cotingas, including at the Canopy Walkway. This location is considered to be one of the best in the world for seeing both Crimson Fruitcrow and Dusky Purpletuft, both of which are poorly known and highly sought after by birders. Visitors to this area can also look for Guianan Red-Cotinga, Pompadour Cotinga, Purple-breasted Cotinga and Spangled Cotinga, all of which are not uncommon near the Canopy Walkway.
Leks for Capuchinbird have been found at the Iwokrama Field Station and Karanambu Ranch. The White Bellbird is regularly heard at the latter location, but finding this spectacular bird requires both perseverance and luck.
Cotingas (Cotingidae) of Guyana Checklist (From A Field Checklist of the Birds of Guyana, 2nd Edition, Smithsonian Institution)
- Red-banded Fruiteater (Pipreola whitelyi)
- Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola rupicola)
- Guianan Red-Cotinga (Phoenicircus carnifex)
- Purple-breasted Cotinga (Cotinga Cotinga)
- Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana)
- White Bellbird (Procnias albus)
- Bearded Bellbird (Procnias averano)
- Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vociferans)
- Rose-collared Piha (Lipaugus streptophorus)
- Pompadour Cotinga (Xipholena punicea)
- Bare-necked Fruitcrow (Gymnoderus foetidus)
- Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpurata)
- Crimson Fruitcrow (Haematoderus militaris)
- Red-ruffed Fruitcrow (Pyroderus scutatus)
- Capuchinbird (Perissocephalus tricolor)
- Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus)
