Rupicola rupicola
The Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (*Rupicola rupicola*) is an undeniably striking member of the Cotingidae family, renowned for its extraordinary sexual dimorphism and elaborate courtship displays. Males are an incandescent orange, boasting a prominent, fan-like crest that almost completely obscures their bill, contrasted by glossy black wings and tail, and bright orange bill, legs, and feet. They measure about 32 cm (12.5 inches) in length and weigh 200-260 grams. Females, in stark contrast, are ...
Found in humid tropical and subtropical forests, particularly near rocky outcrops, gorges, and caves, often at elevations between 300 to 2,000 meters (1,000-6,500 feet).
Predominantly frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits and berries, supplemented by large insects (like beetles and grasshoppers) and occasionally small vertebrates (frogs, lizards) especially to feed nestlings.
Guianan Cock-of-the-rocks are diurnal, spending their days foraging in the forest understory and mid-canopy. Males are famously polygynous, engaging in an elaborate lek mating system where multiple males gather at communal display grounds to attract females. Each male clears a small 'court' on th...
The Guianan Cock-of-the-rock is resident throughout its range in northeastern South America, primarily distributed across the Guiana Shield. Its breeding and year-round distribution encompasses eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil. In Brazil, it can be found in ...
Least Concern
- The male's magnificent fan-like crest is so large that it almost completely covers its beak, giving it a distinctive, flattened head profile. - Guianan Cock-of-the-rock males are famous for their elaborate 'lek' displays, where up to 50 males might gather to perform competitive, synchronized sh...