Andean cock-of-the-rock - female, Santa María, Colombia
Before our trip, we decided on this bird being our #1 target bird (that is, before knowing about the capuchinbird). In particular Henriette really wanted to see this one. On the road to this habitat, I saw one beautifully perched very close next to the road, but it was gone when we stopped and backed up the car.
Upon arriving in this beautiful habitat, we then saw three immediately upon arriving. But the light was getting low and they took of before being able to get a clear shot, so this poor shot is all we have. Happy to have this "evidence", not happy about the photo, of course. Male:
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.
