Plum-throated Cotinga vs Red-crested Finch

The Plum-throated Cotinga and the Red-crested Finch are distinct in appearance and habitat. The cotinga is a vibrant turquoise-blue bird often found in high perches or fruiting trees, while the finch is smaller with a striking red crest and typically seen in more open habitats.

Look for the turquoise-blue plumage and larger size of the Plum-throated Cotinga, often perched high. In contrast, the Red-crested Finch is smaller with a red crest and found in more open areas. Note the habitat and behavior differences when identifying these species.

The Plum-throated Cotinga is larger and more robust than the smaller, more compact Red-crested Finch.

Male Plum-throated Cotingas are uniform turquoise-blue with minimal black markings, whereas Red-crested Finches have a red crest and a more subdued body coloration.

Plum-throated Cotingas are often seen high in trees, sometimes making mechanical wing sounds, while Red-crested Finches are more likely to be found foraging on or near the ground.

Plum-throated Cotingas inhabit seasonally flooded forests and terra firme, whereas Red-crested Finches prefer open and semi-open areas like savannas and scrublands.