Green-and-black Fruiteater

Overview

The green-and-black fruiteater (Pipreola riefferii) is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It is considered the most widespread and abundant of the Andean fruiteaters and is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length of 17.5 to 20 cm with a weight of 46 to 61 g.
• Males typically feature a blackish green head and upper breast, a yellow collar, green upperparts, and yellow underparts with black streaks.
• Females have a green head and lack the yellow collar.
• Distinctive bright red bill and red or orange-red legs and feet, with dark red-brown irises.

Habitat

The species inhabits the edges and interior of montane forest, including cloud forest, and secondary woodland in subtropical and lower temperate zones. It occupies a disjunct range across the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, with elevations ranging between 1,500 and 3,200 m.

Diet

It is believed to feed exclusively on fruit, foraging singly, in pairs, or in small groups, and often joins mixed-species feeding flocks. Foraging involves plucking fruit while perched or while briefly hovering after a short flight.

Did you know?

The species is ecologically the most tolerant of the Andean fruiteaters, making it the most widespread and abundant in that group.