Andean Cock-of-the-rockRupicola peruvianusOne of the iconic birds of the Andes. Fairly large, significantly larger and chunkier than a thrush. Found in cloud forest at middle elevations, most often at a dawn display site where males make piglike squeals and jump and dance for females. Sometimes seen elsewhere in the forest, especially at fruiting trees. Males can be either brilliant crimson or orange, always with black wings and broad silver tertials, orange legs, and puffy rounded crest. Female duller brown with smaller crest; note staring pale eye. Nests on large rocks or cliff faces. Only similar species is Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, but no range overlap.Cotingidae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 5 selected species
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Andean Cock-of-the-rockRupicola peruvianusOne of the iconic birds of the Andes. Fairly large, significantly larger and chunkier than a thrush. Found in cloud forest at middle elevations, most often at a dawn display site where males make piglike squeals and jump and dance for females. Sometimes seen elsewhere in the forest, especially at fruiting trees. Males can be either brilliant crimson or orange, always with black wings and broad silver tertials, orange legs, and puffy rounded crest. Female duller brown with smaller crest; note staring pale eye. Nests on large rocks or cliff faces. Only similar species is Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, but no range overlap.
Chestnut-capped PihaLipaugus weberiRare and endangered Colombian endemic restricted to a very small area in the northern part of the central Andes. Fairly large and almost uniformly gray with a faint, yellow eyering. Male’s chestnut cap is rarely visible in the field. It is not known to occur together with the more widespread Dusky Piha, which lacks the eyering and cap. Inhabits middle to upper levels of cloud forest and often first detected by voice. It gives airy squeaks, squeals, and clucks, which may be given alone or in an agitated series.Chestnut-capped PihaLipaugus weberiRare and endangered Colombian endemic restricted to a very small area in the northern part of the central Andes. Fairly large and almost uniformly gray with a faint, yellow eyering. Male’s chestnut cap is rarely visible in the field. It is not known to occur together with the more widespread Dusky Piha, which lacks the eyering and cap. Inhabits middle to upper levels of cloud forest and often first detected by voice. It gives airy squeaks, squeals, and clucks, which may be given alone or in an agitated series.
Guianan Cock-of-the-rockRupicola rupicolaA large, chunky cotinga, always preceded by its reputation. Exquisite adult male is impossible to mistake for anything else; young males and females are brown and best identified by size, odd shape and pale eyes. Most readily found in lowland rainforest near rock formations that provide nest sites. Often seen flying across small rivers or roads, but generally difficult to observe away from display areas. Feeds on fruit. Calls, occasionally given in alarm and while foraging, are querulous and fowl-like.
Pompadour CotingaXipholena puniceaMedium-sized, plump bird of rainforest canopy. Spectacular male is unmistakable, with shimmering pure white wings visible at a great distance. Female much duller; best identified by dumpy shape and overall plain gray coloration, and at close range—pale eyes. Often seen at fruiting trees, perched high on leafless branches or snags, or flying over the forest canopy. Also occurs on lower-stature forests with sandy soils. Display sound of male is a hollow, unbirdlike rattle; display rarely seen.