Plum-throated Cotinga vs Spangled Cotinga

The Plum-throated Cotinga and Spangled Cotinga are both bright turquoise-blue birds, but the Spangled Cotinga has distinctive black 'spangling' on its wings and back, while the Plum-throated Cotinga lacks these markings and has yellow eyes. Both species are often found in high perches, but their preferred habitats differ slightly.

Look for the black 'spangling' on the wings and back to identify the Spangled Cotinga. Check for yellow eyes and lack of spangling to confirm a Plum-throated Cotinga. Observe habitat preference: terra firme for Spangled, varzea for Plum-throated. Use canopy towers or walkways for better views.

Both species are similar in size, typical of cotingas.

The male Spangled Cotinga has bright turquoise-blue plumage with extensive black 'spangling' on the wings and back and a light purple throat. In contrast, the male Plum-throated Cotinga is more uniformly turquoise-blue without black spangling and has yellow eyes.

Both species are often seen perched high in trees or around fruiting trees. They produce mechanical wing sounds in flight.

The Spangled Cotinga is mostly found in the canopy of terra firme forests, while the Plum-throated Cotinga is more frequently found in seasonally flooded varzea forests and along the edges of oxbow lakes.

Neither species has true vocalizations; both are known for the mechanical sounds produced by their wings in flight.