Long-wattled Umbrellabird
Cephalopterus penduliger
Spectacular crow-like bird with a bushy crest. Male has a thick feathered wattle dangling from his throat that can be extended to an astonishing length while displaying. It inhabits tall, lush, and undisturbed rainforest in western Ecuador and western Colombia. Quite scarce, and usually encountered at fruiting trees or at known display sites, where several males may congregate, extending their wattles and giving very low-pitched, airy hoots.
Identification
The male is 40–42 cm in height, with the female being slightly smaller at 35–37 cm. Both sexes are short-tailed and carry an erectile head crest; those of the males are slightly longer at 20–30 cm. The male is distinguished by a large throat wattle of feathers, while females and juveniles have no or a much smaller wattle. The length of the wattle can be controlled, and it can be retracted in flight. The male generally has black colored shafts in its feathers.<p>The long-wattled umbrellabird's specific name penduliger derives from Latin pendulus, hanging, and refers to the wattle.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cephalopterus penduliger
- Authority
- Sclater, PL, 1859
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cotingidae
- Genus
- Cephalopterus
Range and habitat
The species shows a high level of endemism and is found from the southwestern part of Colombia to the province of El Oro in Ecuador, in the bioregion of Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena. It inhabits humid montane forests at 1,500-1,800 m above sea level on the ridges and sides of the Andes range.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The species is mostly frugivorous, and feeds on large fruit. The fruits of the Arecaceae, Lauraceae, and Myrtaceae are preferred. Invertebrates and small vertebrates are also taken.<p>The long-wattled umbrellabird engages in lek mating, where the males congregate in common areas (leks) for display, which are visited by the solitary females. Females select a male with prominent secondary traits such as aggression and territorial behavior. Nests are built in trees or treeferns, and have been recorded at heights of 4.5–5.0 m above ground.<p>Clutch sizes in the genus Cephalopterus are generally low; only one egg is laid per nesting attempt. Incubation lasts 27 or 28 days. Only the female incubates and cares for the nestling. She provides food for the nestling on average once per hour and includes invertebrates, vertebrates, and regurgitated material.
Conservation
The species has been classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. A total population of 6,000-15,000 mature individuals was estimated in 2012. It is thought to be under pressure from habitat destruction through deforestation and from hunting. The easy-to-locate lek mating areas make it particularly susceptible to trapping.<p>The long-wattled umbrellabird is present in several protected areas. The consolidation of existing scattered reserves, as well as the nomination of several existing protected areas as biosphere reserves, could be very beneficial for the species. The curating of forest composition and reforestation have been pointed out as important approaches.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Great Gray Shrike
Lanius excubitor
Thrush-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. In areas of overlap, compare with other gray shrikes. Inhabits open habitats with scattered vegetation, from open forests to bogs and brushy meadows. Often seen on prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops, that offer perfect vantages for from which to spot prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines, feeding on rodents and small birds. Vocalizations include bright short liquid trills and “gargling” phrases, often strung together into a repetitive song.
Spot-necked Bulbul
Pycnonotus tympanistrigus
Strange-looking small bulbul, endemic to Sumatra’s foothill forests (most common at 600-900 meters). Dull brownish above, with brown-and-white-streaked underparts. Facial pattern is unique, with a frosty white throat contrasting strongly with the egg-yolk-yellow patch and exposed dark facial skin behind each eye. Somewhat similar to Cream-striped Bulbul, but note present species’ much weaker crest, facial pattern, and brown belly and vent. Forages at middle and upper levels of forest, mostly in pairs or small groups; gathers at fruiting trees. Vocalizations soft and unremarkable; song is a bright “jrit’jhew”, while calls include a brief dry trill and quiet pipping notes.
Salvadori's Nightjar
Caprimulgus pulchellus
Small and generally uncommon nightjar, endemic to the forested highlands of Sumatra and Java. Favors openings in the understory within wooded areas such as roads and small clearings. Dark overall and rather short-tailed (wingtips reach tail tip), with a pale patch on the wing (white in males, tan in females). Listen for its song, a long and even series of rapid “chup” notes.
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