Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater

The scarlet-breasted fruiteater (Pipreola frontalis) is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru where its natural habitat is subtropical and tropical moist montane forests. Two subspecies are recognised though some researchers consider these should be regarded as distinct species. It is a plump green bird with a black head, the males having red throats and the females yellow. It is a relatively common species with a wide range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being "least concern". == Taxonomy and systematics == First described by British ornithologist Philip Sclater in 1858, the scarlet-breasted fruiteater is one of eleven species in the genus Pipreola. Its holotype is held at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, in Philadelphia. The species is closely related to the fiery-throated fruiteater, but is found at higher elevations. There are two subspecies, which some taxonomists think represent two distinct species. P. f. frontalis occurs from central Peru into western Bolivia. P. f. squamipectus occurs from northern Ecuador into northwestern Peru. First described by Frank Chapman in 1925, it is smaller and less colorful than the nominate subspecies. The…