Recinto 23 de Junio is by far the best place to see the Long-wattled Umbrellabird near Quito, Ecuador. I have gone there a number of times and managed to see it every time except for once. This Chocó endemic bird is hard to find but the there are at least two leks in the vicinity of Recinto 23 de Junio. Here are the latest pictures that I got from this location:
Look at the length of his wattle!
This is a female
…
Wow, that is a mighty wattle. I hope the lek is still active when I come for my next visit!
One of the most amazing and strange birds in the world. Thanks for sharing that info and the awesome photos Renato!
You have better “wattles” than Australian Wattlebirds!
Great shots, Renato. I wish that the birds had posed when I was there…
@Mike: Mighty wattle indeed! This lek has been very stable, I think for more than four years so there is a good possibility that it will still be there when you come back.
@Pat:You are welcome.
@Clare: I love your sense of wattle competition.. Those Australian wattlebirds are so nice but have such small wattles!
@Corey: There could always be a second chance.. hope to get you back at least to see the great wattle.
I am interested…What is the purpose of the huge wattle? Does it atrack females
Hi: I am no expert on the subject, but from what I have observed during their lekking display, the males pose in close proximity to each other (and in view of the female) and allow their wattle to expand to its longest extension.