Andean Cock-of-the Rock

As Peru’s national bird, the attractive Andean cock-of-the-rock lives in the cloud forests of the Andes Mountains.

Frequently featured in wildlife documentaries, this species dwells and nests on rock ledges and cliff faces to provide a safe spot for its chicks, giving rise to its unique name.

The male’s striking orange plumage is out to impress the ladies. Males gather at communal leks to display their prowess in jumping, wing-flapping, head-bobbing, squealing and beak-clapping.

The performance intensifies when the drab brown females drop in to watch, with the best contender winning their affection.

Females, with their muted brown tones, stay stealthy during nest building, incubation and chick rearing, which they do so without the help of the males.

Before feeding lizards and frogs to nestlings, they hit the prey against a branch or break them down using their beak.