ABSTRACT
Cotingas are a diverse family of mostly frugivorous, forest-dwelling birds in Central and South America. Many species within the family are quite colorful and sexually dichromatic; others, however, are quite plain where sexes look alike. Little is known about molt strategies among Cotingidae. They likely follow a Complex Basic Strategy in most or all cases, but the extent of the preformative molt remains undescribed for most genera and species, although it appears to be complete in at least some and partial in other species. In genera in which both sexes participate in nesting, males and females begin to molt at about the same time, or the males slightly in advance of the females. More study is needed to form a preliminary understanding of molt patterns among this neglected group of birds. Brood patches probably occur mainly among females, although Swallow-tailed Cotinga Phibalura flaviristris represents at least one exception. Skull ossification may often complete, at least in small- to medium-sized species.
