Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Species Data
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cotingidae
Scientific Name: Rupicola peruvianus
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Description
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.
Protected by these WLT Projects
References
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22700974/0
Neotropical Birds – http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=492876
Birdlife International – http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/andean-cock-of-the-rock-rupicola-peruvianus/details