Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Image: richfisc (cc-by-nc)
NameAndean Cock-of-the-rock
Common NameAndean Cock-of-the-rock
Scientific NameRupicola peruvianus
FamilyCotingidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)235
Plumage DetailsMales are brilliant scarlet-orange with a large, fan-shaped crest covering the bill, black wings, and a greyish back. Females are duller, typically reddish-brown or rufous, with a smaller crest.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of grunts, croaks, squawks, and sharp "wok-wok" calls, often given during elaborate lek displays.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsmontane forest, cloud forest, humid forest, rocky outcrops
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the cloud forests of the Andes mountains, from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Identifying Featuresprominent fan-shaped crest (male), brilliant scarlet-orange plumage (male), black wings (male), shy nature, lekking behavior
Description
The male Andean Cock-of-the-rock is a striking, medium-sized bird known for its brilliant scarlet-orange plumage and prominent, disc-like crest. It inhabits humid montane forests, where males perform elaborate lek displays to attract mates, often near rocky outcrops.
