Chestnut-capped Piha
Lipaugus weberi
Critically EndangeredAves · Passeriformes · Cotingidae
About
The chestnut-capped piha is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is endemic to a small portion of Colombia's central Andes in the department of Antioquia. The chestnut-capped piha resides only in a narrow band of humid premontane cloud forest. It is a dark grey passerine with a notable chestnut crown on the upper nape and pale cinnamon-colored undertail coverts. Adults are small for pihas, measuring about 20 to 25 cm long. Males have modified primary feathers with elongated and stiff barbules that enable them to create a whirring noise with their wings, which the piha likely uses for display purposes. Its call is extremely loud and can be heard over 100 m (330 ft) away. The chestnut-capped piha is mostly frugivorous, although it will eat some invertebrates. Little is known about the species' breeding ecology, although it is believed to be a lekking species.
Fun Fact
Following the capture of a second bird in May, Cuervo began to speculate that the unusual pihas were an undescribed species.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Endemic to the central Andes of Colombia.
Diet
Eat some invertebrates.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Destruction
- Pollution
- Invasive Species
- Over-Collection
- Climate Change