The scientific name for the fancy-plumed cotinga, a vibrant bird found in the Amazon basin, is Cephalopterus ornatus. Its spelling can be broken down using phonetic transcription, starting with "seh-fuh-lohpt-er-uhs" for the first word and "awr-nuh-tuhs" for the second. This complex spelling reflects the Latin and Greek roots of the word, which are commonly used in scientific naming conventions. Overall, the spelling of Cephalopterus ornatus is a testament to the precision and specificity required in the language of science.
Cephalopterus ornatus, commonly known as the ornate flycatcher or the Amazonian umbrella bird, is a species of bird belonging to the family Cotingidae. Endemic to the Neotropical region, specifically the lowland forests of South America, this bird is renowned for its distinctive appearance and behavior.
The ornate flycatcher is characterized by its large size, with males reaching up to 50 centimeters in length, including their prominent black crest. Its plumage is mainly black, with glossy iridescent green and blue tones on the breast and back. The male's most remarkable feature is the long, ribbon-like plume extending from its chest, giving the impression of an umbrella when extended during courtship displays.
This species is known for its frugivorous diet, feeding primarily on various fruits and occasionally insects. It inhabits the understory and middle levels of the forest, often perching motionless on exposed branches for prolonged periods, waiting to prey on passing insects.
Cephalopterus ornatus is also famous for its elaborate courtship displays during the breeding season. The male performs complex vocalizations and visual demonstrations, including extending its umbrella-like crest and performing an unusual sideways hopping dance. This behavior aims to attract females for mating. Once breeding occurs, the female builds a nest using materials such as twigs, leaves, and spider webs, typically placed on small branches in the forest canopy.
Due to habitat destruction and fragmentation throughout their range, the ornate flycatcher is considered a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List. However, continued conservation efforts and monitoring are necessary to ensure the survival of this remarkable bird.
The term "Cephalopterus ornatus" does not have a direct etymology as it is a taxonomic designation used in scientific nomenclature to classify a species of bird. It is a combination of two Latin words: "cephalopterus" and "ornatus".
- "Cephalopterus" derives from the Latin words "cephalo-" meaning "head" and "-pterus" meaning "wing". This name refers to the striking head plumage and wing structure of the bird.
- "Ornatus" comes from the Latin word "ornare", which means "to adorn" or "to decorate". This term signifies the ornate appearance or the high degree of ornamentation observed in the bird's feathers.
Together, "Cephalopterus ornatus" describes a species of bird known for its elaborate head and wing plumage.