The
Long-wattled Umbrellabird is native to the rainforests of Columbia and
Ecuador. They live in the canopies
of tall trees.
There
are three species of umbrellabirds, but this one is by far the oddest. First of all, they have long hair-like
feathers forming a crest on their head extending over the beak. This crest is much more pronounced in
males than females. Also more
pronounced in males is the wattle – defined as a fleshy growth hanging from
various parts of the head or neck in some birds and mammals. Wattles are often decorations for
attracting potential mates. Larger
wattles seem to be correlated to healthier males – more testosterone, good
nutrition and the capability to evade predators.
Chicken wattles hang from the throat. (Photo by Sara Oliver)
The
Long-wattled Umbrellabird’s name says it all. This bird is about the size of an American crow, with a body
length of 14 to 20 inches, and the males possess a wattle that can be as long
as 18 inches! It just hangs down
from the base of the throat and is covered with short scaly feathers. When in flight, the male can retract
the wattle, making it shorter and then lays it against the chest. During courtship rituals, the male will
also inflate his wattle. The
wattle then resembles a very bristly pinecone.
Click
here
to see a video of a long-wattled umbrellabird. At about 0:23 in the video, you can see him inflate his
wattle!
Illustration of a long-wattled umbrellabird. (photo: The Wikipedia files)
These
birds are mostly silent; however mainly the male
will make grunting noises and low frequency booming calls during breeding season. This boom call is audible to humans a
bit more than half a mile away.
These birds form small leks where males come together and engage in
competitive displays in hopes of enticing viewing females with their long poofy
wattles. After mating, the female
is the sole builder and caretaker of the nest and chicks. This species consumes mostly insects,
fruits and palm nuts.
The Long-wattled Umbrellabird
is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction and over
hunting. Their habitat is disappearing
rapidly due to human development.
These birds are also captured by locals and sold as pets. Only a few of the populations live
within protected areas.
Submitted by Sara Oliver,
World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist
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