Andean Cock-of-the-rock

The Andean Cock-of-the-rock is one of the most visually startling birds of the Andes, the male clothed in brilliant, almost unnaturally vivid orange plumage set off by black-and-gray wings and tail. A large, flattened, disc-shaped crest runs from the bill over the top of the head, nearly obscuring the small bill and giving the bird an unmistakable silhouette. Females, by contrast, are much drabber, dull brownish-orange overall with a smaller crest, providing better camouflage while nesting.

The species is the national bird of Peru and is famed for its lek mating system, in which groups of males gather at traditional display sites in the forest to perform bizarre bowing, hopping, and calling displays, competing intensely for the attention of visiting females.

Key field marks

• Male: brilliant orange plumage with black-and-gray wings and tail, and a large disc-shaped head crest
• Female: dull brownish-orange overall, with a smaller crest
• Found in Andean cloud forest, often near rocky ravines and streams
• Males gather at traditional lek sites to display

Similar species

• Guianan Cock-of-the-rock is more yellow-orange overall and found in the Guiana Shield of northeastern South America, not overlapping in range with the Andean species.
• No other Andean bird shares the male's combination of a large disc-shaped crest and vivid orange plumage.

Habitat

Inhabits humid Andean cloud forest, often near rocky ravines, cliffs, and streams used for nesting.

Range

Found along the Andes from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, and into Bolivia.

Migration

Generally sedentary, remaining within a fixed home range around traditional lek and nest sites.

Behavior

Males gather in small groups at traditional lek sites, performing exaggerated bowing, hopping, and wing-snapping displays accompanied by loud calls to attract visiting females, who select mates based on display quality alone.

Voice

Harsh, far-carrying squawks, grunts, and screeches given during lek displays, along with softer calls at other times.

Feeding

Feeds mainly on fruit, supplemented with some insects.

Nesting

The female alone builds a mud-and-plant-fiber nest plastered to a rock face, cliff, or cave wall, and raises the chicks without any assistance from the male.