- Rupicola peruvianus
Identification
A member of the Cotinga family and one of the two species in the genus Rupicola, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock is a medium-sized (32cm, 1.5 in) long, passerine and has a large disk-like crest and scarlet or brilliant orange plumage, with a black tail and wings. A bushy crest on the forehead lends an unusual shape to the head, and makes identification even easier (although the coloration is usually enough). The Female is significantly darker and browner than the male and has a shorter crest. This is the national bird of Peru.
Distribution
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia
Taxonomy
Four subspecies are recognized, peruvianus, aequatorialis, saturatus, and sanguinolentus. Rupicola peruvianus has in the past been called Rupicola peruviana.
Habitat
Gorges and ravines in Cloud Forest on both slopes of the Andes.
Behaviour
The diet consists mainly of fruits. Males are polygamous and display in communal leks. The females build shallow nests with mud and plant material on the walls of rocks, hence the common name.
