Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) – Endemic to Ecuador and Colombia

Appearance

• Head: The Long-wattled Umbrellabird has a prominent, umbrella-like crest of feathers on its head, which can be raised or lowered. This crest gives the bird its name and adds to its unique appearance.
• Body: The body is predominantly black with a glossy sheen. Males have a long, feathered wattle hanging from their throat, which can be extended or retracted. Females are smaller and lack the long wattle, but they have a shorter crest.
• Size: This bird is relatively large, with males measuring about 40-50 centimeters (16-20 inches) in length, including the wattle, and females being slightly smaller.

Habitat

• The Long-wattled Umbrellabird is found in the humid lowland and foothill forests of western Ecuador and southwestern Colombia. These birds prefer undisturbed primary forests and are often found at elevations up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).
• They are typically seen in the forest canopy, where they forage and perform their displays.

Diet

• The diet of the Long-wattled Umbrellabird consists mainly of fruits, particularly those of palms and other tropical trees. They also consume insects, small vertebrates, and other invertebrates to supplement their diet.
• Their frugivorous diet makes them important seed dispersers in their habitat, contributing to forest regeneration and biodiversity.

Behavior

• Males are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which take place at communal leks. During these displays, males gather and use their long wattles to produce deep, booming calls and perform visual displays to attract females.
• These birds are generally solitary outside the breeding season, but they may form small groups when foraging.

Vocalizations

• The vocalizations of the Long-wattled Umbrellabird are deep, resonant booms that can carry over long distances. These calls are primarily used by males during courtship displays to attract females and establish territory.

Conservation Status

• The Long-wattled Umbrellabird is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting its forest habitat and creating reserves to ensure the survival of this unique species.