Bare-necked Umbrellabird vs Capuchinbird

In short

The Bare-necked Umbrellabird and Capuchinbird are both large, striking members of the cotinga family, but they can be distinguished by their unique head and neck features. The Bare-necked Umbrellabird has a distinctive bare, red throat patch, while the Capuchinbird is known for its bald head and rufous plumage.

Identification tips

1. Look for the bare, red throat patch on the Bare-necked Umbrellabird. 2. Note the bald head and rufous plumage of the Capuchinbird. 3. Listen for the mooing calls of the Capuchinbird, especially during display. 4. Consider the habitat: Central American forests for the Bare-necked Umbrellabird, northeastern South American forests for the Capuchinbird.

Size

Both species are large, but the Capuchinbird is slightly more robust with a stockier build.

Plumage

The Bare-necked Umbrellabird is mostly black with a prominent bare, red throat patch. In contrast, the Capuchinbird has a bald head and is covered in rufous-brown plumage, lacking the red throat patch.

Behaviour

Both species are relatively secretive and often found in the canopy, but the Capuchinbird is known for its unique display behavior involving wing flapping and head bobbing.

Habitat

The Bare-necked Umbrellabird is typically found in humid forests of Central America, while the Capuchinbird inhabits tropical forests in northeastern South America.

Voice

The Capuchinbird is famous for its low, cow-like mooing calls, which are quite distinct from any sounds made by the Bare-necked Umbrellabird.