Guianan cock-of-the-rock: The orange spectacle at the forest arenas

The guianan cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola), described by Linnaeus in 1766, is one of the most iconic species of the South America rainforests, standing out not only for its vibrant plumage, but also for its complex courtship behaviors and sophisticated social interactions. Belonging to the family Cotingidae, this species occurs in regions of Guyana, Venezuela, Suriname and bordering areas of the Amazon, where it plays a crucial role in ecosystems (KIRWAN; GREEN, 2011).

Physically, the males are unmistakable, presenting an intense orange color and a semicircular topknot, which can be moved as a fan, even covering the beak. This anatomical adaptation creates the illusion that the bird is looking at a different direction from the real one, which can confuse observers and predators. In addition, the male’s topknot is significantly larger than the female’s one, which in turn, has a dark brown plumage, ensuring an efficient camouflage in the forest environment. The juveniles are born with a color similar to females and, in males, begin to change to orange only in the second year of life. This process occurs in an irregular and gradual way, with orange spots appearing on the body, becoming more intense until it reaches its definitive color. Finally, bright orange filaments appear on the feathers of the wings, which contribute to the spectacular appearance of the species (KIRWAN; GREEN, 2011).

Caption. Adult male of guianan cock-of-the-rock. Source. TRIVELATO, G. P. (2012). [WA857046, Rupicola rupicola (Linnaeus, 1766)]. Wiki Aves - A Enciclopédia das Aves do Brasil. Available in:  <http://www.wikiaves.com/857046>

Caption. Juvenil guianan cock-of-the-rock. Source. ALMEIDA, C. B. (2015). [WA1962515, Rupicola rupicola (Linnaeus, 1766)]. Wiki Aves - A Enciclopédia das Aves do Brasil. Available in: <http://www.wikiaves.com/1962515>

The courtship behavior of the saw cock is one of the most studied aspects of the species, since it involves impressive displays in the so-called leks, characterized by mating areas, clear of leaves and branches, in which the males perform elaborate performances to attract the females (GILLIARD, 1962). During these displays, the males use dances and vocalizations to attract them, while their modified feathers enhance their exuberance. In some observations made in the south of Guyana, it was noted that females approach the males and, in some cases, nibble their secondary feathers while the males maintain static postures on the ground. This behavior was interpreted as preliminary to mating, although copulation itself has been rarely documented in the field (SICK, 1971). In addition, studies show that dominant males occupy central positions in leks, while subordinates remain in peripheral areas, evidencing a well-structured hierarchical system (SNOW, 1971).  In addition, some leks can be kept for decades, and more experienced males have more elaborated performances, suggesting a relationship between age, experience and reproductive success (KIRWAN; GREEN, 2011).

Caption. Arena (lek) of guianan cock-of-the-rock. Source. Hiram Pereira. Avaliable in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-jJ--Isars.

Regarding reproduction, the female plays a central role in the construction of nests, using saliva to strengthen the clay, ensuring greater adherence to rocky surfaces, in which the nests are usually fixed (SNOW, 1971). The incubation period lasts between 27 and 28 days, with eggs usually laid between the months of March and April. However, the survival of the species faces significant challenges due to the high mortality rate caused by predation of the pups by mammals and birds of prey (KIRWAN; GREEN, 2011). Captive breeding also presents considerable challenges, such as low egg fertility rates and difficulties in feeding the chicks, which reinforces the importance of conserving the species in its natural habitat (COLLAR et al., 2021).

Caption. Nest and female guianan cock-of-the-rock. Source. CIPRIANI, R. N. (2017). [WA2673146, Rupicola rupicola (Linnaeus, 1766)]. Wiki Aves - A Enciclopédia das Aves do Brasil. Available in:  <http://www.wikiaves.com/2673146>.

As far as eating habits are concerned, the diet of the cock-of-the-rock is considered to be predominantly frugivorous. Analysis carried out in nesting and display sites reveal that more than 70% of the fruits consumed belong to the families Araliaceae, Burseraceae, Palmae and Lauraceae, reinforcing the importance of forest fruit trees for their survival (SNOW, 1971). In addition, this species plays an essential role in seed dispersal, contributing significantly to the regeneration of tropical vegetation (TERBORGH et al., 1990). However, climate change and changes in fruit availability can directly impact the population density of the species, making long-term environmental monitoring essential (MARINI et al., 2020). In addition to observations in the wild, the social behavior of the cock-of-the-rock has also been studied in captivity, revealing important aspects about its interaction outside the wild habitat. Research shows that males, even in confined environments, maintain a well-defined social hierarchy, but the absence of females can significantly alter their interactions (BIBEN, 1990).

Despite its resilience, the guianan cock-of-the-rock faces increasing threats, mainly due to the destruction of its habitat, hunting and illegal trafficking for trade in ornamental birds. The global population has not yet been quantified, being described as uncommon and of irregular distribution (STOTZ et al. 1996). It is estimated that over three generations (approximately 10 years), the species loses between 5.8% and 6.1% of its suitable habitat due to deforestation in the Amazon, according to predictive models (IUCN, 2016). Given this scenario, it is suspected that its population may suffer a reduction of less than 25% in this period. This trend reinforces the concern with the conservation of the species, highlighting the need for measures to mitigate habitat loss and ensure its long-term survival. However, in 2016, the species was evaluated by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as "Little Concern", showing that despite the threats, its population is still relatively stable.

In response to environmental challenges, conservation initiatives were approved, including lek protection projects and population monitoring. In addition, some local communities have promoted ecotourism as a sustainable alternative that, in addition to being a source of income, also encourages the conservation of the species and the environment (KIRWAN; GREEN, 2011). 

In face of all these factors, the cock-of-the-rock stands out as a fascinating species, not only for its beauty and unique behavior, but also for its fundamental ecological role in tropical forests. Its complex cutting rituals, its specialized diet and its peculiar form of nesting show an advanced level of adaptation to the environment. However, the increasing threats to its habitat make continuous studies indispensable, both to ensure the survival of the species and to broaden knowledge about its biology and ecology, allowing the implementation of effective conservation strategies.

Author/a: Milena Neumann - Deputy Director of Dissemination and Extension of GEAS  Brazil

Review: Iago Junqueira - GEAS BRASIL Partner by The Wild Place

Wild Panel of June/25

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES:

BIBEN, M. Social behavior of the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola) in captivity. Zoo Biology, v. 9, n. 3, p. 223–232, 1990. Disponível em: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/zoo.1430090305.

BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL. Rupicola rupicola. Lista Vermelha de Espécies Ameaçadas da IUCN, 2016: e.T22700971A93807320. Disponível em: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22700971A93807320.en. Acessado em 27 de março de 2025.

COLLAR, N.; KIRWAN, G. M.; DEL HOYO, J. Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, 2021.

GILLIARD, E. T. On the breeding behavior of the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola rupicola). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, v. 124, n. 2, p. 31-68, 1962.

KIRWAN, G. M.; GREEN, G. Cotingas and Manakins. Princeton University Press, 2011.

MARINI, M. Â.; BARBET-MASSIN, M.; JIGUET, F. Climate change and habitat loss are projected to drive declines in Amazonian birds. Diversity and Distributions, v. 26, n. 6, p. 678-692, 2020.

SICK, H. Notes on the biology of the Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola). Journal für Ornithologie, v. 112, n. 3, p. 323–333, 1971.

SNOW, D. W. Observations on the breeding biology of the Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola). Journal of Natural History, 1971.

STOTZ, D. F.; FITZPATRICK, J. W.; PARKER, T. A.; MOSKOVITS, D. K. Aves Neotropicais: Ecologia e Conservação. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1996.

TERBORGH, J. et al. Seed dispersal by birds in Amazonian forests. Biotropica, v. 22, n. 2, p. 136-147, 1990.