<< Back October 2004

Flora and Fauna:
Cock-of-the-Rock: a winged delight throughout the Andes

Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola Peruviana. Photo courtesy of Gunnar Engblom

Peruvian children learn in school text books that the Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola peruviana is the national bird of Peru - although this has never been subject to any polling among Peruvians to assure that they agree that it is a good representative of their nation. And contrary to the implication of its scientific name, the Cock-of-the Rock is not solely a Peruvian species, since it occurs throughout the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. Nevertheless, it is one of the most popular and best-known birds in Peru, and as such a subject of national pride. A member of the Cotinga family, it is known in Quechua as “tunku,” and in Spanish, as “gallito de la roca.”

The bright orange males gather any time of year in “leks” - playgrounds or arenas - in areas where some favorite trees carry ripe fruit, where they make raucous noises, bobs with their heads and just as much as possible try to look like vivid Christmas tree decorations with the hope that a passing - much duller brown - female might be interested in him. Since the lek is often in the best feeding grounds and a female may pass by at any time - the males have no other option than to come to the “dance” everyday. The show is always there to see for interested eco-tourists.

Sadly, however, there are often misconceptions about its value in the wild. Once when asking locals in Chanchamayo where I might go and see some, I was referred to the local zoo! The next person pointed me to a gentleman who could supply me with a stuffed one for a modest price. Having said this, in Cusco department the eco-tourism industry has learnt that the Cock-of-the-Rock is more valuable alive, and therefore is trying to protect it and its habitat. The lodge on the Manu road called Cock-of-the-Rock lodge has a lek on their grounds that is a major attraction. At Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, several trees bearing favorite Cock-of-the-Rock berries have been planted and are giving the visitors excellent views (and photographs like the one presented here). Recently, I have visited a new lodge near San Ramón only 6 hours from Lima - Pampa Hermosa Lodge - where there is also a very good lek only 10 minutes from the comfortable accommodation. It gladdens me that there are now also people in Chanchamayo who have understood the value of preserving this natural wonder.

Should you want to visit this lodge, the cost is $70 per person per night, including three meals. As special promotion, we are able to offer a discounted price at $57/night throughout 2004. San Ramón can be reached via a comfortable bus, and for a small fee a pick-up with 4WD can be arrange to take you to the lodge. It is a remarkable paradise (no mosquitos) with plenty of colorful tanagers and hummingbirds.

Gunnar Engblom
Kolibri Expeditions
kolibriexp@telefonica.net.pe
Telephone: 476-5016
Birding Peru e-group:birdingperu-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trip reports, recent sightings, travel tips, travel partners, range extensions, identification help,
www.birding-peru.com

<< Back