The Andean cock-of-the-rock is a medium-sized passerine bird of the Cotinga family native to Andean cloud forests in South America. It is widely regarded as the national bird of Peru. It has four subspecies and its closest relative is the Guianan cock-of-the-rock.
Similar species: Passerines
By Thibaud Aronson
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Uploaded Nov 23, 2020. Captured Jul 15, 2020 07:58 in 5NA, Peru.
comments (18)
What an absolute gem of a bird this is.
(Note that this subspecies is much more orange than the birds Ferdy photographed in Colombia, which are crimson.) Posted 2 years ago, modified 2 years ago
When we had our close encounter, I even had the feeling the frontal males were trying to out-compete me in silliness. On a second place we saw them, a more wild place, they were also the first thing we heard in the morning, yet always high up.
Congrats on the find. The orange sub species is really cool! Posted 2 years ago
Niel Posted 2 years ago
The male Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus) is certainly the avian heartthrob of the South American cloud forests! Like many birds, this species exhibits major sexual dimorphism. Males have brilliant plumage and a large crest on their heads, which practically engulfs their entire face. In comparison, the females are drab, brownish-orange, and are nearly invisible in the dense forest foliage.
Known as “Tunki” in the Quechua language, the Cock-of-the-Rock is the national bird of Peru! Before anyone jumps to conclusions about the origin of its common name, the Cock-of-the-Rock gets its name from its tendency to build nests on rocks and ledges. But, I’m sure that’s what you all were assuming…
The flamboyant appearance of the males, combined with their spectacular mating displays, is sure to set any female’s heart aflutter. Here’s how it goes: to impress potential mates, males gather in a lek at dawn and compete with each other by emitting unique mating calls, bobbing, hopping, and displaying their colorful plumage. If a female approaches, the males get even more rambunctious. Truly a spectacular sight to behold!
Cock-of-the-Rocks are mostly frugivorous, meaning they eat lots of fruit. But, they don’t digest the seeds. The seeds pass through their digestive systems unharmed. The birds defecate and regurgitate the seeds, sometimes at considerable distances from the parent trees. In this way, the Cock-of-the-Rock plays an important role in seed dispersal. {Spotted in Peru by JungleDragon moderator, Thibaud Aronson} #JungleDragon #Andeancockoftherock #Rupicolaperuvianus
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