The Amazonian umbrellabird is a species of bird in the family Cotingidae native to the Amazon basin with a separate population on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The male bird is entirely black, with a black crest and inflatable wattle on the throat, and at 48 to 55 cm, may be the largest passerine bird in South America. The female is slightly smaller. Both have an undulating flight, described as woodpecker-like, and the male has a loud, booming call.
Region
Amazon Basin and eastern Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowland Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela, with a separate population along the eastern slopes of the Andes. It favors extensive tracts of mature humid forest, using the canopy and subcanopy, but will also visit tall secondary growth and forest edges when fruiting trees are present. Males gather at traditional display sites (leks) often on ridge tops or prominent canopy perches. It avoids heavily degraded habitats and is patchy where forest is fragmented.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Amazonian umbrellabird is one of South America's largest passerines, with males sporting a dramatic umbrella-like crest and an inflatable throat wattle used in displays. Its low, booming calls carry long distances through dense rainforest. A key seed disperser for large-fruited trees, it helps maintain forest dynamics. It is sensitive to forest loss and hunting, and occurs at low densities.
Temperament
solitary and shy
Flight Pattern
undulating with deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs while foraging, but males gather at leks where they display by inflating the wattle and giving booming calls. Nests are built in trees, and the female performs most nesting duties. Territorial behavior is most pronounced around display sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male gives a powerful, low-frequency boom that can be heard over long distances, often accompanied by soft grunts or croaks. Booms are delivered from a prominent perch while the throat wattle is inflated.
Plumage
Mostly velvety black with a slight gloss; males have a large umbrella-like crest and an inflatable throat wattle, females are smaller with reduced crest and wattle.
Diet
Primarily consumes large fruits from canopy trees such as laurels and palms, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating seeds. Also takes large insects, and occasionally small vertebrates like frogs or lizards. Plays an important role in seed dispersal across large areas by moving between fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the canopy and upper subcanopy at fruiting trees, sometimes descending to mid-levels along forest edges or in tall second-growth. Frequently visits ridges and prominent emergent trees where fruits are abundant.
