The eastern cock-of-the-rock and the Peruvian cock-of-the-rock live in South America, and nest on rocks near rivers and brooks. They are splendid birds about a foot long, strong and solid looking, with brilliant plumage. The males are more imposing and colorful than the females and have a crest that goes like a fan from the top of their heads to the base of their beaks.
In Colombia and Peru the cocks-of-the- rock are flame-colored red with black wings; in Brazil and Guiana, they are a sumptuous orange-yellow. The female is smaller and has brown feathers. Despite this apparent drabness, she seems to inspire the male to heroic frenzies and exhibitions of acrobatics, dances and shows of color.
When the mating season arrives, the males pick out suitable forest clearings for their dance performances, beating their wings and hopping on the dancing grounds. Each show is carefully watched by the males awaiting their turn, by those who have finished, and by the females for whose benefit the show is being given. The vocal accompaniment is not like the usual singing of birds. It has been described as being like the rustling of branches, like laundry flapping in the wind, like the scraping of metal, like whistling or even like a carillon.
Cocks-of-the-rock are rare and many of their habits are unknown. Some fanciers raise them as pets, and they are shown in some zoos. In captivity, they eat fruits, and are particularly fond of grapes.
Cock of the Rock Photos:
