Palkachupa Cotinga

Palkachupa Cotinga, Juan Carlos Atienza

At a Glance

  • Scientific Name: Phibalura boliviana
  • Population: 600-800
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • Trend:  Decreasing
  • Habitat: Restricted to semi-humid highland forest with patches of natural grasslands near the town of Apolo in northwestern Bolivia
Palkachupa Cotinga, Benjamin Skolnik

Palkachupa Cotinga map, ABCThe species was unrecorded for 98 years until its rediscovery by ABC partner Associacion Armonía in 2000. It was elevated to full species status in 2011 based on evidence presented by Bennett Hennessey in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology (the bird was originally thought to be a subspecies of the Swallow-tailed Cotinga, which occurs 1,400 miles away in Brazil).

Eighty percent of the Palkachupa Cotinga's habitat has been destroyed by clearing and burning forest for firewood and pasture; unfortunately, this destruction is ongoing.  Parts of the cotinga's former range are now completely treeless. Nesting success in remaining habitat is low; predation by jays and severe weather are the biggest causes of breeding failure.


Sign up for ABC's eNews to learn how you can help protect birds


Palkachupa Cotinga pair, Juan Carlos Atienza

Palkachupa Cotinga pair, by Juan Carlos Atienza

In 2010, a 145-acre reserve was established for the species. ABC has supported Armonía's work to study and conserve the Palkachupa Cotinga and continues to seek additional support for land-use planning and management, with the cooperation of the local community.


Donate to support ABC's conservation mission!


More Birds Like This

Our 400+ detailed species profiles bring birds to life across the Americas with a focus on threats and conservation.

  • Population: 200,000
  • Trend:  Decreasing
Northern Emerald-Toucanet by Timo Mitzen, Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  • Population: Unknown
  • Trend:  Probably declining based on habitat loss
Barred Fruiteater by Jorge Gabriel Campos, Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  • Population: Unknown
  • Trend:  Stable
Red Crossbill by @Michael Stubblefield, Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  • Population: 9.6 million (U.S. and Canada); 26 million (World)
  • Trend:  Stable