Cock of the Rock
The name alone would be enough to distinguish this amazing bird from all others, but it’s appearance is equally magical. Found in the Northern regions of South America- Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela and parts of Colombia, Cock-of-the-Rocks live in tropical forests and make their homes in rocky outcrops; hence their name.
The males of this species have a remarkable hot orange colored body with long, frilly tail feathers and their head is covered by an amazing half moon shaped crest that resembles an orange slice. Their showy plumage is put to good use during the mating season when groups of males gather in what is called a lek in order to display their fine forms and compete with one another for the opportunity to breed . The females gather round to eye up their potential suitors as they perform their highly choreographed rituals. The males strut, sing and dance for them seeking to charm their more somberly colored mates.
Females are solely responsible for the incubation of the eggs and parenting. Males do not participate in family life at all. As a matter of the fact, It has been documented that approximately 40% of male Guianan Cock-of-the Rocks engage in some form of homosexual behavior! Nonetheless, these birds are listed as of “least concern” regarding their conservation status, so their instinct for procreation is clearly dominant enough to keep Cock-of-the-Rock population healthy. And what an incredibly beautiful bird!
The males of this species have a remarkable hot orange colored body with long, frilly tail feathers and their head is covered by an amazing half moon shaped crest that resembles an orange slice. Their showy plumage is put to good use during the mating season when groups of males gather in what is called a lek in order to display their fine forms and compete with one another for the opportunity to breed . The females gather round to eye up their potential suitors as they perform their highly choreographed rituals. The males strut, sing and dance for them seeking to charm their more somberly colored mates.
Females are solely responsible for the incubation of the eggs and parenting. Males do not participate in family life at all. As a matter of the fact, It has been documented that approximately 40% of male Guianan Cock-of-the Rocks engage in some form of homosexual behavior! Nonetheless, these birds are listed as of “least concern” regarding their conservation status, so their instinct for procreation is clearly dominant enough to keep Cock-of-the-Rock population healthy. And what an incredibly beautiful bird!