LONG WATTLED UMBRELLA

*“Long-wattled Umbrellabird” (_Cephalopterus penduliger_) – The Enigmatic “Umbrella Bird” of the Chocó‑Andes –

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Introduction
The *_Long‑wattled Umbrellabird (_Cephalopterus penduliger__) is one of the most striking and unusual passerines in the *Cotingidae* family. Named for its massive, umbrella‑shaped crest and an extraordinary, pendulous *wattle* that hangs from its throat, this bird is a flagship species of the humid, low‑to‑mid‑elevation forests of western Colombia and Ecuador. Its bizarre appearance and deep, resonant calls make it a highlight for birdwatchers and conservationists alike.

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Taxonomy & Naming
- *Scientific name:* _Cephalopterus penduliger_ (Sclater, 1859)
- *Family:* Cotingidae (cotingas, umbrellabirds)
- *Genus:* _Cephalopterus_ – “head‑wing” (Greek _kephalē_ = head, _pteros_ = wing), referring to the crest.
- *Species:* _penduliger_ – “pendulous‑wearing,” pointing to the long throat wattle.
- *Common names:*
- English: *Long‑wattled Umbrellabird*, *Umbrella Bird*, *Wattled Umbrellabird*.
- Spanish: *Pájaro Paragüero*, *Paragüero del Pacífico*.

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Description
- *Size:* Large, crow‑like bird.
- Length: *48–55 cm (19–22 in)*.
- Weight: *≈ 350–450 g (12–16 oz)*.
- *Plumage:*
- *Overall:* Glossy black with a faint bluish iridescence.
- *Crest:* Massive, semicircular *umbrella‑shaped crest* of long, stiff feathers (up to 10 cm) that can be raised or folded.
- *Wattle:* A *long, pendulous, feather‑covered wattle* (up to *15 cm*) hangs from the throat, especially prominent in breeding males.
- *Bill:* Strong, broad, slightly hooked, black.
- *Eyes:* Dark brown.
- *Legs:* Sturdy, dark gray.
- *Sexual dimorphism:* Males are larger, with a dramatically longer wattle and more pronounced crest. Females lack the extreme wattle and crest is smaller.

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Habitat & Distribution
- *Range:* Western *Andes foothills* of *Colombia* (Chocó, Antioquia, Valle del Cauca) and *Ecuador* (Esmeraldas, Carchi, Imbabura).
- *Elevation:* *300–1,800 m (1,000–5,900 ft)* – prefers lower montane rainforest, cloud forest edges, and mature secondary forest with tall canopy.
- *Habitat requirements:* Large, undisturbed forest patches with abundant *fruiting trees* (especially Lauraceae, Melastomataceae) and *mid‑story perches* for display.

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Behaviour & Ecology
Diet
- *Frugivorous:* Mainly *soft fruits* (wild avocados, figs, berries).
- *Occasionally insects:* Small arthropods, especially during chick rearing.
- *Foraging:* Alone or in loose mixed‑species flocks; hops along branches, plucks fruit while perched.

Breeding & Display
- *Breeding season:* October–February (coinciding with peak fruit).
- *Males:* Perform spectacular *lek displays* at dawn:
- Raise crest into a full *umbrella*.
- Inflate and swing the long wattle, producing a *low, resonant boom* (like a distant drum).
- Flap wings and jump between perches.
- *Nest:* Small, loose platform of twigs placed *5–12 m* above ground on a horizontal branch.
- *Clutch:* 1 egg (rarely 2).
- *Incubation:* 25–27 days (female).
- *Parental care:* Female alone incubates and feeds chick; male provides no care.

Vocalisations
- *Booming call:* Deep, resonant “*boom… boom… boom*” lasting 2–3 seconds, audible up to 500 m.
- *Whistles & rattles* used in aggression or contact.

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Conservation Status
- *IUCN Red List:* *Vulnerable (2023)* – population *estimated 2,500–10,000 mature individuals*.
- *Major threats:*
- *Habitat loss* – deforestation for agriculture (oil palm, coca), logging, mining.
- *Fragmentation* – breaks lek connectivity.
- *Hunting* (locally for meat or cage trade).
- *Conservation actions:*
- Protected areas: *Farallones de Cali*, *Mindo‑Chocó*, *Cotacachi‑Cayapas*.
- Community‑based forest monitoring and ecotourism initiatives.
- CITES Appendix II (international trade regulated).

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Interesting Facts
- *Umbrella crest:* Can be raised instantly when alarmed or du