cotinga

Any of the neotropical passerine birds of the family Cotingidae.

Noun

  1. Any of the neotropical passerine birds of the family Cotingidae.
    • Flocks of aquatic birds were to be seen on every side, the most numerous being the pelican, and a bird of the cotinga species, about the size of an English throstle, the plumage of which, being jet black and flamingo...
    • Sheer color alone is powerful enough, but when heightened by contrast, it becomes still more effective, and I seemed to have secured, with two barrels, a cotinga and its shadow. - 1921, William Beebe, Edge of the Jungle:

Origin

From New Latin cotinga, from Old Tupi cutinga.

Forms

cotingas

Derived

cotingid cotingine