Cock-of-the-rock

Cock-of-the-rock is a genus of brightly colored South American birds whose males gather at display sites, called leks, to court females.

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Lek mating: A mating system in which males gather at display sites and females choose among them. Cock-of-the-rock males court females at communal display sites known as leks.
Rupicola: The genus of cotingid birds commonly called cock-of-the-rock. This is the scientific genus name for the birds described on this page.
Birdwatching: The observation and identification of birds in the wild. Both species are sought-after sights in South American forests and display sites.
Andes: A continental mountain range running along the western edge of South America. The Andean cock-of-the-rock takes its name from this range and inhabits its forests.
Sexual selection: Evolutionary change driven by differences in access to mates and reproductive success. Female choice and competition among displaying males can favor conspicuous traits.
Andean cock-of-the-rock: A species of cock-of-the-rock found in the Andes of northwestern South America. It is one of the two living species in the genus.
Wildlife photography: The photographic documentation of animals in their natural environments. Their bright plumage and lek displays make them notable subjects.
Guiana Highlands: A mountainous region of northern South America spanning parts of the Guiana Shield. The Guianan species is associated with forests in this upland region.
Sexual dichromatism: A difference in coloration between males and females of the same species. Male cock-of-the-rock are vividly colored, while females are generally subdued.
Guianan cock-of-the-rock: A species of cock-of-the-rock native to the Guiana Shield and nearby parts of northern South America. It is the genus’s other living species, distinct from the Andean form.