Chestnut-crested Cotinga
Ampelion rufaxilla
The chestnut-crested cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut-crested_cotinga
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Cotingidae
Genus
Ampelion
Chestnut-crested Cotinga belongs to the family Cotingidae, order Passeriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The chestnut-crested cotinga is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
The Chestnut-crested Cotinga faces significant pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, mining, and agricultural expansion throughout its Andean range. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the temperature and precipitation patterns of its specialized montane forest habitats. The species' relatively small population size and restricted elevational range make it particularly vulnerable to these ongoing threats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits humid montane forests and cloud forests along the eastern slopes of the Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. The species prefers dense, moss-covered forests with abundant epiphytes and is often found near forest edges and clearings within its montane habitat.
Threats
Deforestation and habitat loss
Mining activities
Agricultural expansion
Climate change impacts on montane ecosystems
Habitat fragmentation
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Chestnut-crested Cotinga (Ampelion rufaxilla). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/chestnut-crested-cotinga