Mating Dance of the Cock-of-the-Rock on Amazon Tours

Manu, which is located in the Peruvian Amazon, is an ideal destination in the world for you to witness the colorful, exquisite, and loud mating dance of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird. With a brilliant orange head and a fan-shaped crest, the males become one of the most coveted birds to see in the Amazon and a must-see for everyone visiting this area.

Birdwatchers from all around the world travel especially to Manu to see this intricate mating dance, which happens twice per day year-round because of the abundance of the species in this special area. The dance is not to be missed, as the males spread their crest and engage in a hopping ritualistic seduction called lek in hopes of attracting an impressed female. Most people name this experience as one of the highlights of their travels through the Amazon, whether they are generally interested in bird watching or not.

The lodges in the area, such as the Manu Cloud Forest Lodge arrange special trips and guide guests to the best viewing sites in the Amazon.

The incredible diversity in Manu is due to its topographical range and microclimates varying from 11,000 feet cloud forests to lowland forests along the Amazon River. Because of the fragility of the various eco-systems, Manu National park was declared both a biosphere reserve and a World Heritage site. The area is incredibly lush, with large ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and moss covering the trees which creates a picturesque and startling backdrop to the brilliantly colored tropical birds like the Cock-of-the-Rock and toucans. White water rafting, and hiking are also popular activities in addition to the world-class bird and wildlife watching.