Cephalopterus ornatus
The Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus) is a striking, large passerine bird renowned for its unique appearance and vocal displays. Males are glossy black, measuring approximately 48-51 cm (19-20 in) in length, and possess an extraordinary umbrella-like crest that extends forward over the bill, almost entirely obscuring it. A vibrant, inflatable orange-red wattle hangs from the throat, dramatically expanding during courtship. Females are smaller, lack the prominent crest and wattle,...
This species primarily inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of humid tropical lowland and foothill rainforests, typically at elevations up to 500-700 meters (1,600-2,300 feet).
Their diet consists mainly of large fruits, particularly palms, and large insects, which they obtain through gleaning and aerial sallies from high perches.
Amazonian Umbrellabirds are primarily diurnal and typically solitary, though males gather at traditional lek sites for elaborate courtship displays. Males are polygynous, competing for female attention through a combination of their remarkable vocalizations and visual performance. During display,...
The Amazonian Umbrellabird is a resident species distributed widely across the western and central Amazon Basin in South America. Its breeding range encompasses southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western and central Brazil, extending north into southern Ve...
Least Concern
- The male Amazonian Umbrellabird's distinctive, umbrella-shaped crest can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) long, completely covering its bill. - Its scientific name, Cephalopterus, literally means 'head-winged' due to the crest's appearance. - Males possess a bright, inflatable orange-red wattle on t...