| Latin Name |
Rupicola peruvianus |
| Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
| Location
| South America |
| Colour |
Orange & Black - Male
Chestnut - Female |
| Length |
Approx 30 cm (12 inches) |
| Wingspan |
- |
| Weight |
- |
| Life Expectancy |
- Yrs |
Main Characteristics
The Andean Cock-of-the-rock is a medium sized bird that measures approximately 30 cms (12 inches) in length. Males have brilliant orange plumage and a large disc-like crest. Their tails and wings are black in colour and their wings have a row of pale grey feathers along the inside edge, so when they are folded they appear to have stripes down their back. Females are chestnut in colour and they have a much shorter crest.
Throughout the year males practice an elaborate dance which is performed to attract females. Groups of males and females congregate at a lek, which is like an arena where the dance is performed. The top performing male gains a large proportion of females to mate with.
Habitat
The Andean Cock-of-the-rock can be found in the cloud forests of the Andes in South America. They live at altitudes between 485 and 2,440 m (1,590 - 8,000 ft.
Diet
The Andean Cock-of-the-rock mainly feeds upon a variety of fruit but they also eat insects.
Breeding
Females construct their nest from mud and plant material on the walls of rocks, and they lay 2 eggs each year. After about 28 days the eggs hatch, but due to their energetic dancing, males do not take part in rearing the young.
Predators
Predators of the Andean Cock-of-the-rock include birds of prey, mountain lions, jaguars and snakes.
Subspecies
Subspecies of the Andean Cock-of-the-rock are:
Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis
Rupicola peruvianus peruvianus
Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus
Rupicola peruvianus saturatus
Interesting Facts
The Andean Cock-of-the-rock is the national bird of Peru.
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