Phoenicircus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Phoenicircus
Guianan red cotinga (Phoenicircus carnifex)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Cotingidae
Genus:	Phoenicircus Swainson, 1832
Type species
Lanius carnifex (Guianan red cotinga) Linnaeus, 1758

Phoenicircus is a group of colorful birds. They belong to a bird family called Cotingidae. These birds are known for their bright red feathers on their chest, head, tail, and rump (the lower back).

Some Phoenicircus birds, like the Guianan species, have dark brown wings. Others, such as the black-necked species, have black wings. These birds love to eat fruit. They mostly munch on berries and other small, fleshy fruits called drupes.

Meet the Red Cotingas

The name Phoenicircus comes from ancient Greek words. Phoinikeos means "crimson" or "dark red." Kerkos means "tail." So, the name basically means "red-tailed." An English nature expert named William John Swainson first described this group of birds in 1832.

There are two main types of Phoenicircus birds:

Guianan Red Cotinga

The Guianan red cotinga (Phoenicircus carnifex) is a stunning bird. It lives in the Guianas. This includes countries like Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

Black-necked Red Cotinga

The Black-necked red cotinga (Phoenicircus nigricollis) is the other species. You can find this bird in Brazil.

Images for kids

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  A male Guianan red cotinga showing its bright colors.