Masked Fruiteater Pipreola pulchra Scientific name definitions

Endemic to the east slope of the Andes in Peru, the striking Masked Fruiteater is relatively easily identified, but the species is also one of the most poorly known members of its genus. This fruiteater is unlikely to be confused with its congenerics, as the species does not overlap in range with any other member of the Golden-breasted Fruiteater (Pipreola aureopectus) superspecies. The species’ song is a typical fruiteater sibilant, drawn-out whistle, rendered psee-pseee or tseeeeeeeweee, and which lasts c.3 seconds. Mainly an inhabitant of the canopy and subcanopy, almost nothing has been published concerning most aspects of the Masked Fruiteater’s natural history. Nevertheless, the species’ habits probably recall those of other Andean fruiteaters, it being a lethargic frugivore that is typically found alone or in pairs, and most usually encountered at fruiting trees.

18 cm; male 54–63 g, 2 females 42 g and 63g. Male has black hood tinged greenish (especially on nape), green upperparts  , wings and tail; orange-yellow patch on chest extending narrowly to side of neck, bordered below by narrow black line; side of breast solid green, rest of underparts  yellow, flanks  broadly streaked green; iris  yellow; bill red; legs greenish. Distinguished from very similar P. jucunda by green tinge on head, less fiery orange on chest. Female is entirely green above, streaked green and yellow below. Juvenile not described.

E slope of Andes in Peru (S Amazonas S to C Cuzco).

High-pitched  “psee-pseeee” .