White-cheeked cotinga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White-cheeked cotinga |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Zaratornis
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| Species: |
stresemanni
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The white-cheeked cotinga (Zaratornis stresemanni) is a special kind of bird. It belongs to a family of birds called Cotingidae. This bird is the only species in its group, which is named Zaratornis.
You can only find this bird in one place: the Andes mountains in west-central Peru. This means it is an endemic species, found nowhere else in the world!
Where the White-cheeked Cotinga Lives
The white-cheeked cotinga likes to live very high up in the mountains. It can be found at altitudes between 3,250 and 4,250 meters above sea level. That's like living on top of a really tall skyscraper!
These birds prefer woodlands where certain trees grow. These trees are mostly Polylepis and Gynoxys species. These special trees create the perfect home for the cotinga.
What the White-cheeked Cotinga Eats
The white-cheeked cotinga has a favorite food: mistletoe berries. It mainly eats these small, juicy fruits. Mistletoe is a plant that grows on other trees.
Why the White-cheeked Cotinga Needs Help
Sadly, the white-cheeked cotinga is a vulnerable bird. This means its population is decreasing, and it could be in danger of disappearing. The main reason for this is habitat destruction.
Habitat destruction happens when the places where animals live are damaged or removed. For the cotinga, this means the Polylepis and Gynoxys woodlands are being cut down or changed.
Important groups like BirdLife International and IUCN are working to protect this bird. They help track how many birds are left and try to save their homes.
