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A FEATHERED DANDY

The dazzling Cock-of-the-rock is Peru’s national bird, and virtually an emblem of the Private Reserve “Cloud Forest”. Its habitat is the cloud forest, from 2400 (7874 ft.) down to 1000 ms. (3280 ft.) altitude. In the Private Reserve it can often be seen along the road.

The bird belongs to the cotinga family, and is quite large, the male being about 30 cms, in length. There are two species and four subspecies of this bird in South America, the one seen in the Private Reserve is Rupicola peruvianus saturatus. The male’s most famous characteristic, besides the brilliant bright-orange plumage, is its custom of gathering twice daily in groups of up to fourteen males studs at favorite locations, known to birders as leks. Here they screech and dance feverishly, in hopes of luring the shy, elusive and dull-colored female. There is a peak of lekking in September through December, but the Cock-of-the-rock hopes to mate all year round, spending an estimated four to five hours per day in these vigorous efforts to attract a choice partner. When one actually arrives the males become emotional and incredibly raucous.

By Daniel Blanco, Chairman of the Board Peru Verde (a Peruvian non-profit nature conservation group Peru Verde org)