BIRD SPECIES

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rupicola peruvianus

The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, one of the iconic birds of the Andes is a fairly large bird, significantly larger and chunkier than a thrush. It is widely regarded as the national bird of Peru.

It is approximately 13 inches long and weighs around 265 grams, although males are somewhat larger and the heaviest specimens can reach 300 grams.

Males have bright orange head, body and most of lesser upperwing coverts. The rest of upperwing is black, except the gray tertials. Tail is black. Underparts are bright orange.

There is a distinctive crest made with two rows of feathers on the head, forming a kind of semi-circular casque. The strong, yellow bill has wide base. Both mandibles are laterally compressed towards the tip. The rictal bristles are lacking. Eyes are pale orange. Legs and strong feet are yellow.

Females are dark chestnut-brown with blacker throat and wings. They have a smaller crest, pale whitish-blue eyes, blackish bill and gray legs and feet.

Immatures resemble the adult females, but the young males are more orange.

The male utters loud “yooii” at lek, but less raucous than the Guianan Cock-of- the-rock. We can also hear along, continuing clucking “kip-kip-kip”.

If disturbed, the birds of both sexes may give loud “uankk” while foraging. This bird is usually silent outside the breeding season.

Feeds mainly on fruits from several plant species. It plucks at the fruit while flying. It also takes large insects, and during the nesting period, the chicks are fed with small frogs and lizards.

Frequents the montane forest and the thick humid woodlands between 1400 and 2400 meters of elevation on the eastern slopes of the Andes. It is mainly found close to streams and in ravines with rocky cliffs.

Ranges across Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, and Bolivia.

Nest is a cup mainly made with mud, usually in shape of truncated cone, attached to the rock at 3 - 12 meters above the ground. It is lined with coarse plant fibers. Several nests may be relatively close to each other.

The female lays 2 eggs and incubates during 28 days. The young fledge about 42 - 48 days after hatching.

SOURCES:
http://www.oiseaux-birds.com
https://en.wikipedia.org
https://ebird.org