Скачать или смотреть Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpurata)

At first glance, this bird looks completely black. The strong backlight turns it into a dark silhouette, hiding most details and making it easy to miss what species it actually is. Only when the light changes do some of its features become visible, which is often the case with forest birds seen high in the canopy.

This is a purple-throated fruitcrow (Querula purpurata). It belongs to the order Passeriformes and the family Cotingidae, a group of Neotropical birds that includes species with a wide range of shapes, behaviors, and colors. Many cotingas are known for bright plumage, but this one is much more subtle, relying on form and behavior rather than obvious color.

The common name refers to a purple iridescence on the throat, which is usually only noticeable under the right lighting conditions. The scientific name says the same thing. Querula comes from Latin and is often linked to vocal or calling behavior, while purpurata means “purple-clad,” referring to that hidden throat sheen that gives the species its name.

Purple-throated fruitcrows are mainly fruit-eaters. By feeding on fruits and later dispersing the seeds, they play an important role in forest regeneration and plant diversity. They are usually seen alone or in small groups, often perched quietly in the mid to upper levels of the forest, where they can be surprisingly easy to overlook.

Although this species is not currently considered threatened, it depends on well-preserved forest. Habitat loss and fragmentation directly affect birds like this, which rely on a steady supply of fruiting trees and continuous canopy.

Birdwatching helps bring attention to species that are often ignored because they don’t look flashy. Observations shared through citizen science platforms help researchers understand where birds occur and how forest habitats are changing over time.

And as with so many wild birds, it’s worth remembering that they don’t belong in cages. Keeping birds as pets causes stress, prevents natural behaviors like flying and foraging, and fuels illegal wildlife trade. The best way to appreciate a bird like the purple-throated fruitcrow is to observe it where it belongs, in the forest.

The illegal wildlife trade is the third most valuable illicit commerce in the world, losing only to drugs and weapons. That, along with loss of habitat by deforestation, fires, etc., result in an enormous amount of animals in need of rescuing. Only 1 in 10 animals survive trafficking! Do not support the pet trade! Animals should be free!