Protecting the Palkachupa Cotinga

Madidi is the only place where palkachupa lives. Its population barely reaches 800 individuals

The Palkachupa Cotinga (Phibalura boliviana) is an endemic species of Madidi National Park. It lives in the scrub forest of the grassland plains and the surrounding semi-humid forests of Apolo, between 1,400 and 2,000 meters. Its estimated population is just 800 individuals.

Measuring between 21.5 and 22 centimeters its most distinctive feature is its forked tail.

When nesting one its favorite nesting trees is the yuri which they also feed on as frugivores and insectivores. The birds make their nests from the lichen growing on the branches of these trees. They also build nests on rocks. Newborns spend their first 15 days receiving food beak to beak, and after another fortnight, the whole family leaves the nest. Some nests will be reused the following year.