This week in interesting animals, we take a look at one of the most exotic of birds in the Guyanese rainforest, the cock-of-the-rock….
The Guianan cock-of-the-rock goes by the scientific name, Rupicola rupicola. It is a species of South American passerine that measures about 30 centimetres in length and weighs about 200 to 220 grams. They are usually found in tropical rainforests, next to rocky outcrops, where they make their habitats. In terms of appearance, the males’ plumage is bright orange and the males have a prominent half-moon crest on their. The females on the other hand are less impressiveare brownish in colour, and are generally much duller coloured than the males.The Guianan cock-of-the-rock lives across the forested region of northeastern South America and eats mostly fruit, but sometimes small snakes and lizards.
The Guianan cock-of-the-rock breeds in the early months of the year and, on average, lays its eggs around March. During the height of the mating season, males engage in competitive displays in lek, which is a complex courting behaviour that is done to attract females. Males and females live separately except when the females choose a mate. The mating success varies based on multiple factors, ranging from the plumage exhibited by a male to the composition of the lek itself. The females choose a male by flying down to the ground and pecking the male on his rump. The male then turns around and the mating takes place almost immediately. Since no attempts to breed the Guianan cock-of-the-rock in captivity have succeeded, there is speculation that the male-to-male competition is an important factor in lek formation and breeding, and that artificial environments may not properly reconstruct or imitate natural environments. The main predators of the Guianan cock-of-the-rock are harpy eagles and black-and-white hawk-eagles.
