Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock

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Welcome to Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Today, we’re heading to one of the last truly wild places on earth, the Guiana Shield, to search for a magnificent bird - the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock.

The Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock

Photographing a male Cock-of-the-Rock, with its bright orange feathers and half-moon crest is high on many photographers’ lists.

The Guianan Cock-of-the-rock is known for its elaborate displays at the beginning of the breeding season.

To see these birds in action, head to a lek, where several males, anywhere from 5 - 50 gather. Each male has its own territory about 5 feet in diameter.

They spend a lot of time in the lower branches of the nearby trees, above the lek, waiting for their turn to perform.

When one or several females arrive in the trees above the lek, each male goes to its small territory and crouches, motionless and silent.

Their features fluffed to display the bright orange color of their plumage, surrounded by the silky filaments that move on their wings.

At this moment, females move down to lower branches and look at the males.

When a female spots a male with fabulous plumage, she swoops down to the ground and gives him a peck on his rump.

The male then hops around her turns and, well, you can fill in the rest.

Explore More

If you would like to read more, here are some links you can check out to get more information about this rare bird.

• The Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock (article)

• The Golden Hour (article)

• Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock Lek (video)

How to See a Guianan Cook-of-the-Rock

Even though they are called the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock they actually live in Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana, Venezuela, Suriname, and Colombia.

Seeing one in the wild requires an expert guide who can help you navigate the lush and rugged terrain and lead you to a hallowed lek.

Some good options are Leone Moore Nature Expeditions and Rockjumper Birding Adventures.