Red-banded fruiteater facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Red-banded fruiteater
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Cotingidae
Genus:	Pipreola
Species:	P. whitelyi
Binomial name
Pipreola whitelyi Salvin & Godman, 1884
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The red-banded fruiteater (Pipreola whitelyi) is a type of bird in the Cotingidae family. These birds live in the wet, high-up forests of the tepuis in southeastern Venezuela and western Guyana. They might also be in nearby parts of northern Brazil, but this has not been confirmed. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says this bird is of "least concern". This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.

Male red-banded fruiteaters are special because their bellies are mostly grey. This is different from other fruiteaters. As their name suggests, the males also have a bright red band across their chest.

What Does the Red-banded Fruiteater Look Like?

Red-banded fruiteaters

The red-banded fruiteater is about 16.6 cm (6.5 in) long. That's about the length of a small ruler!

Male and Female Differences

• Males: They have greenish-grey feathers on their backs. A cool golden stripe runs above their eye and around their ears. Their chin and belly are grey. They have a wide, orange-red band on their chest. The feathers under their tail are yellowish.
• Females: They have similar markings on their head. They have a yellowish spot on the side of their neck. Their upper parts are moss-green. Females do not have the red chest band. Their bellies are whitish-grey with bold black stripes.

Both males and females have pinkish-grey beaks and legs. The male's eyes are orange, while the female's eyes are a yellowish-brown color.

Sounds of the Fruiteater

This bird does not sing very often. When it does, it makes a high-pitched, hissing trill sound that lasts for several seconds.

Where Do Red-banded Fruiteaters Live?

Red-banded fruiteaters are found in the tropical forests of Guyana and Venezuela. They live at high altitudes, from about 1,200 to 2,250 metres (3,900 to 7,400 ft) above sea level. This means they live in mountains and highlands.

What Do Red-banded Fruiteaters Eat?

These birds mostly eat fruit from the tops of trees. They are often hard to spot because they stay hidden deep inside the forest. Sometimes, they visit the edges of the forest, which makes them easier to see.

Red-banded fruiteaters are usually slow-moving birds. You might see them alone or in pairs. Sometimes, they join groups of other fruiteaters. When they eat fruit, they often hover in the air for a short time. But sometimes, they will perch on a branch while they enjoy their meal.

Is the Red-banded Fruiteater in Danger?

We don't know exactly how many red-banded fruiteaters there are. However, their numbers seem to be steady. The bird does not face any big threats right now. They live in a large area, but they are not very common.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has said that the red-banded fruiteater is a "least concern" species. This means they believe the bird is safe and does not need to be put into a more threatened group.