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
Genus: Cephalopterus; Family: Cotingidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- 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
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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White-backed Black-Tit
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An unusual tit that is mostly black with a pale back. Males have a bright white back and females and immatures a buff-colored one. Found in montane forest and woodland, usually in pairs or small groups, and readily joins mixed flocks. Similar to White-shouldered Black-Tit, but easily separated by the white back and black wing. The calls are typical of tits, but softer and gentler, including high-pitched “sit” notes and scratchy notes. Song is highly variable, but often contains repeated phrases of musical whistles.
Apolinar's Wren
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A small buffy-brown wren with a very limited range in central Colombia. Look for a streaked back and dark barring on the wings and tail. Compared with Sedge Wren, Apolinar’s has a grayer throat and eyebrow. Found in marshes with tall cattails and sedges from around 2,000 to 3,500 m. Can be skulking and difficult to see, but occasionally perches up to sing. Listen for strange harsh chirring song.
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