Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), also known as tunki (Quechua), is a large passerine bird of the cotinga family native to Andean cloud forests in South America. It is widely regarded as the national bird of Peru.

IMG_2873 DSCN1081 DSCN1076 DSCN1083 DSCN1074Watching their antics as they dance around hoping to attract the ladies is one of the highlights of a birding trip to South America.  There are a few leks easily accessible to tourists- Paz de las Aves (Angel Paz) near Mindo in Ecuador; Jardin in Colombia & the Cock of the Rock Lodge in Manu, Peru.

cotr

LEARN MORE ABOUT COCKS OF THE ROCK

Wikipedia

Birdlife

Neotropical Birds

VIDEOS

This is a case where you need to see and hear the birds to fully appreciate them.  Here’s a few clips filmed (in order) in Mindo, Jardin & Manu.