Watching the Andean Cock-of-the-rock: One of the iconic Andean birds with its bright, luxurious red crest
One 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.
