Least Concern
In accordance with IUCN criteria, a species is considered to be Least Concern if it does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
Species data
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Cotingidae
Scientific Name
Rupicola peruvianus
Reserve locations
Ecuador
The Andean Cock-of-the-rock is the national bird of Peru, and the spectacular colouring and fan-shaped crest of the male is instantly recognisable.
Brilliant orange-red plumage extends over its head and nape and down the chest, with a grey back and black tail and wing feathers. In constrast, the female is a darker, less colourful bird though it has the same general colour patterns. Both have strong claws and legs.
Behaviour
The Andean Cock-of-the-rock feeds mainly on fruit, though it will also take invertebrates and small vertebrates.
The male birds are easiest to see when displaying to females, as they come together to do this at a lek (communal display ground). Their competitive courtship displays include jumping up and down and giving low croaking cries.
The females make cup shaped nests from mud on rocks and ledges, and lay two eggs, while males are not involved in nest building and incubation.
Habitat
The large range of the species along the Andes includes Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. It lives chiefly in subtropical montane forest, though it is also found at lower elevations down to 500m and often uses waterside locations.
Threats & Conservation
Although the IUCN have classified this bird as Least Concern, due to its large range, it can be patchily distributed and locally uncommon. There are no recent detailed estimates of its population size.
Its splendid appearance has led to significant levels of capture for the international pet trade.
