Definition

Noun 1. A species of cotinga bird: A brightly colored passerine bird (Rupicola peruviana) native to the Andes mountains of South America. It is known for the male's spectacular orange or reddish plumage and large, fan-shaped crest. 2. The Peruvian cock-of-the-rock: The common name for this bird species. The males are known for their elaborate communal mating displays, called leks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The brilliant flash of orange in the cloud forest was a male Rupicola peruviana.
  • Birdwatchers travel to Peru hoping to see the Rupicola peruviana at its lek.
  • Rupicola peruviana feeds primarily on fruit and insects.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific/ornithological context: The binomial name is used to precisely identify this species within the family Cotingidae, distinguishing it from its relative, the Guianan cock-of-the-rock ().

Variants and Related Words

• Peruvian cock-of-the-rock: The standard English common name.
• Cock-of-the-rock: A general term that can refer to either the Peruvian () or Guianan () species, often requiring context for clarity.
• Rupicola (genus): The genus to which this species belongs, which includes the other cock-of-the-rock species.
• Lekking bird: A descriptive term for its mating behavior, which it shares with other species like some grouse and manakins.

Synonyms

• Peruvian cock-of-the-rock
• Andean cock-of-the-rock (less common variant)

Related Terms and Phrases

• Lek (noun): The communal courtship ground where males display competitively for females. This behavior is central to observing .
  • The researchers set up blinds near the lek to study the Rupicola peruviana displays.
• Frugivore (noun): An animal that primarily eats fruit, describing a key aspect of its diet.
  • As a frugivore, Rupicola peruviana plays an important role in seed dispersal.

Noun

1. bird of the Andes similar to Rupicola rupicola