Golden-breasted Fruiteater

Overview

The golden-breasted fruiteater (Pipreola aureopectus) is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae, found in Colombia and Venezuela. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing within its restricted range.

Identification

• Measures 16.5 to 17.5 cm in length with males and females showing distinct plumage differences.
• Males feature a grass-green head and upperparts, with a bright yellow throat and breast that transitions to lemon-yellow and green on the flanks.
• Females share the male's green head and upperparts but have green underparts streaked with yellow.
• Both sexes possess an orange-yellow iris, an orange or orange-red bill, and greenish grey legs.
• Song is approximately three seconds long, described as a high, sibilant sound that rises quickly, descends slowly, and ascends at the end.

Habitat

This species inhabits humid, but not extremely wet, forest in pre-montane and montane zones across a disjunct distribution in Colombia and Venezuela. Elevation ranges vary by location, typically between 600 and 3,100 m, covering areas such as the Andes, the Serranía del Perijá, and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Diet

The golden-breasted fruiteater is believed to feed exclusively on fruit, though specific details are lacking. It typically forages in pairs within the mid-levels of the forest and often joins mixed-species feeding flocks.

Did you know?

Breeding data are sparse and limited to northern Colombia, where the breeding season appears to span from January to June and possibly also includes September.