Andean Cock-of-the-rock
NameAndean Cock-of-the-rock
Common NameAndean Cock-of-the-rock
Scientific NameRupicola peruvianus
FamilyCotingidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)235
Plumage DetailsMales have brilliant orange-red plumage covering the head, neck, breast, and upper back, with a prominent, semi-circular crest that almost completely covers the bill. The lower back, wings, and tail are black, with broad grey secondary feathers forming a distinct band across the wings. Females are duller, mostly reddish-brown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of guttural croaks, grunts, and squawks, often heard during lekking displays. They can also produce sharp, piercing calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatshumid montane forest, cloud forest, ravine
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the cloud forests of the Andes mountains, from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador and Peru, to central Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, prominent, semi-circular crest (males), Vibrant orange-red plumage (males), Grey secondary feathers forming a wing band (males), Black body and tail (males), Found in Andean cloud forests, Lekking behavior
Description
The male Andean Cock-of-the-rock is a strikingly vibrant bird known for its brilliant orange-red plumage and large, disc-like crest. These birds are famous for their elaborate lekking displays, where males gather to compete for mates by performing vocalizations and dances.
