Rupícola peruviana
The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, a member of the Cotingidae family, is one of the most spectacular birds found in the cloud forests of Ecuador, occurring between the altitudes of 900 to 2200 metres. Males on the western slopes of the Andes are strikingly scarlet red (see photo), whilst on the eastern slopes, they are bright orange, both colour morphs with black and white wings and tail. The large crest of the males has clearly evolved for display purposes. Females are dull rusty orange in colour, and are thus much less visible in the forest environment. 

These birds are found in deep forested valleys, where at dawn and dusk groups of males gather at what is known as a lek, or mating gathering place. The males display in the trees to admiring females with squawks and exaggerated movements and dance, showing themselves off to their best advantage. Lucky males are then selected by the females for reproduction. This spectacle, which can be considered one of the true wonders of the natural world in Ecuador, can be admired at various locations on both slopes of the Andes - a truly unforgettable experience.

The females build their nests under over-hanging rocks, or in small crevices or caves, next to rivers and streams, even under bridges. They build their nests with mud and plant material, and line the interior with softer materials, and always away from direct sunlight, so that the construction materials of the nest do not dry out and break. It is not infrequent to find a nest that has been added to in successive years, resulting in an impressively large structure. The females themselves, by contrast with the males, blend very well into their environment,. as do the brownish-grey, spiky down feathers of the young. The incubation period is 27 to 28 days, and the young are raised without help from the male. As the birds grow through their fledging period of 42 to 43 days, the feathers acquire a brown colouration similar to their mothers, and the males acquire the full adult colouration when they reach sexual maturity. During this growing period, they are fed with fruits and small animals such as lizards and frogs. As adults, they feed on a variety of forest fruits, thus helping in the dispersal of  plants.

Their main predators are hawks and falcons, and the males are more at risk as they gather at visible (if hidden in the forest) leks. Eggs may be preyed upon by a variety of small forest mammals such as possums. Deforestation is of course a threat to these animals, as they live in little-impacted forests, away from human habitation.

Ask about visiting one of their fascinating leks when you organize a trip to one of the reserves and lodges in the cloud forest!

By: Gabriel Mena and Richard Parsons

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