Andean cock of the rock
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cotingidae
Genus: Rupicola
Brisson, 1760
There are two species:
Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)
Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola)
The cock of the rock is a bird of northern and northwestern South America. It lives under tall trees near rivers. It leaves this territory only in breeding season, to find a mate. The courtship ritual is an unusual spectacle. The cocks of the rock, helped by the females, prepare a dance circle. They clean off a flat bit of ground that will serve as the stage. Then the males perch on the surrounding trees. The females, which will be spectators, gather around the stage. Then one of the males flies down to the ground and does a strange dance. It raises its wings and turns its head from side to side, stamping and jumping up and down at the same time. When it is exhausted, it gives a characteristic cry, goes through its act once more, and flies up to a branch. Another cock of the rock takes its place and does the same dance. Each male in the flock takes its turn.
When the display is over, each female chooses a mate. The pairs build nests in rock cavities. The nests are made of mud, small roots, and down. Each will hold two or three eggs, and then the young birds.
Characteristics:
Length: about 12 inches
flat, semi-circular crest
Male Cock of the Rock of Guyana: orange
Male Cock of the Rock of Peru: red
Female: brown
Eggs: 2 or 3 at a time
Food: fruit and insects
