This Strange-Looking Bird Might Be the Flashiest in the Forest

The post This Strange-Looking Bird Might Be the Flashiest in the Forest appeared first on A-Z Animals.

If you ever find yourself wandering through the forests of Peru, you’re likely to notice a unique and colorful bird called the Andean cock-of-the-rock. As you’ll see in this YouTube video, this unique bird species is often defined by the unusual bulb feature found on the front of its head. Researchers continue to look into the reason for that interesting feature. Let’s also learn more about this colorful creature and see if we can find some answers.

Identifying the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock

It may seem like a rare bird at first, but the Andean cock-of-the-rock, also known as tunki, is actually the national bird of Peru. There are many fascinating bird species across Peru, but you can distinguish this cock-of-the-rock by its colorful plumage. The males often have more orange feathers, and the females are more on the brownish side. Their feet and bills are often a golden yellow.

Of course, the cock-of-the-rock also has that large bulb-type feature on its head. It’s actually a semicircle that’s composed of two rows of feathers. The largest bulbs are on the heads of the males. The females have smaller bulbs. Overall, the adults typically reach a foot in height and usually weigh about eight ounces.

The name of this species provides a great tip as to where you’ll find them: on rocks along ravines and rocky gorges in the forests of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Peru. While they’re on the rocks, their diet primarily consists of insects, small vertebrates, and fruit native to the area.

If you don’t see the birds in person, you’re bound to hear them. The birds are famous for their unique vocalizations, which include loud popping noises produced when they snap their bill. 

What is that Unique Bulb on Their Heads Used For?

When it comes to the large bulb on the head of the Andean cock-of-the-rock, there is no simple reason for its existence. As far as researchers are concerned, it isn’t used for defense, feeding, or anything like that. However, it likely helps when it comes to attracting mates.

One of the most unique features of the cock-of-the-rock is the elaborate breeding displays put on by the males. The birds all show up at communal gathering spots and engage in courtship rituals and competitive displays called leks.

The show starts when males gather together in a wooded area. They each get their own space in the branches. Then, when the females show up, the males break off into small groups and start their dance/mating ritual.

During this routine, males from the group take turns putting on a show. The display often includes the flapping of wings, the bobbing of heads, and the snapping of beaks. They’ll also make grunting and squeaking calls. During this process, they also show off their bright plumage. It’s not hard to imagine that the big feathery bulbs on their heads also feature predominantly in the display. No doubt, a larger, flashier feather bulb may be more attractive to the females.

One of the females gathered in the area will choose the male she likes best. After mating, the female leaves the lek on her own. From there, the female cock-of-the-rock builds her own nest, often 10-40 feet off the ground on a cliff or rock, then later gives birth (usually laying 2 eggs per year) and raises the babies on her own. During this time, the male will go back to the lek, put on another show, and find another mate.

The State of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Population Today

The cock-of-the-rock population is currently doing well, with the conservation status holding steady at “least concern.” Still, much of the land that the birds call home is protected by the reserves managed by the American Bird Conservancy.

The largest threat to the birds is other natural enemies. The bright and colorful plumage of the cock-of-the-rock attracts predators, including other flying creatures like hawks and eagles, and land-bound animals, including jaguars, pumas, and large snakes. 

However, these threats don’t keep the Andean cock-of-the-rock from strutting its stuff every mating season. Keep an eye out for them and their unique heads the next time you’re in the area.

The post This Strange-Looking Bird Might Be the Flashiest in the Forest appeared first on A-Z Animals.