Capuchinbird

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox

The capuchinbird or calfbird (Perissocephalus tricolor) is a large passerine bird of the family Cotingidae. It is monotypic within the genus Perissocephalus.[1][2] It is found in humid forests (up to Script error: No such module "convert". but mostly below 600 m) in north-eastern South America, almost entirely north of the Amazon River and east of Rio Negro (Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and The Guianas).

Description

File:Kotinga tříbarvá.jpg

The capuchinbird is a large thick-set suboscine passerine with a relatively heavy bill. Adults weigh between Script error: No such module "convert". and are typically around Script error: No such module "convert". long, making it the largest suboscine passerine, apart from the Amazonian and long-wattled umbrellabirds – indeed, females average larger than any female umbrellabird. Its plumage is overall rich brown, approaching orange on the belly and undertail coverts, and the remiges and short tail are black. The most distinctive feature is its bare, almost vulture-like head covered in dull blue skin. Juveniles resemble adults, with the exception of some downy feathers on the head.[3]

Ecology

File:Singing of Capuchinbird - Calfbird - Perissocephalus tricolor.flac
A singing lek of Capuchinbirds (Perissocephalus tricolor)

They gather in leks where they "sing". The "song" is very odd and difficult to describe accurately, although some have compared it to the distant sound of a chainsaw or (as indicated by its alternative name "calfbird") a young cow mooing. The nest is small and rather scanty and is normally found in close proximity to the lek. Capuchinbirds eat mainly fruits and insects.[3]

Status

The capuchinbird has a very wide distribution and although it is an uncommon bird, its total population is estimated to be large. The population may be in slight decline because of deforestation, but not at a fast enough rate for it to be considered threatened, so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".[1]

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. a b Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
  2. del Hoyo, J. Elliott, A. & Christie, D. (editors). (2004) Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 9: Cotingas to Pipits and Wagtails. Lynx Edicions. Template:ISBN
  3. a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

External links

Template:Passeriformes Template:Taxonbar