Fun Amazonian Umbrellabird Facts For Kids

The Amazonian Umbrellabird is one of the three species of umbrellabirds and the largest passerine bird from South America. They are mainly spotted in the Amazon basin and the eastern region of the Andes. This bird species belongs to the broad family of cotingas under the genus Cephalopterus. The females of this species look similar to the bare-necked Umbrellabird and are smaller than the male birds.

With entirely black feathers, males have a long-wattled neck, allowing them to make their signature booming call. The Amazonian Umbrellabird habitat includes tropic forest regions, mostly near rivers. This bird species hops about the forest canopy, foraging for fruit, insects, and berries. These birds are found in tropical habitats. These diurnal birds have been observed to have undulating flight patterns similar to that of the woodpecker.

After scientific observation of their behavior, it is known that these birds are secretive and spend time in trees, often heard but rarely seen. Although their range in numbers is unknown, it is suspected that the native Amazonian Umbrellabird population is decreasing due to deforestation. However, the IUCN has declared that this species has the conservation status of Least Concern.

 To explore more interesting facts about other bird species, check out the Eastern Phoebe and the Senegal Parrot.

What type of animal is an Amazonian Umbrellabird?

The Amazonian Umbrellabird is one of the largest passerine birds of the world, found in South America.

What class of animal does the Amazonian Umbrellabird belong to?

The Amazonian Umbrellabirds belong to the class of Aves under the family Cotingidae.

How many Amazonian Umbrellabirds are there in the world?

The exact number of these umbrellabirds has not been recorded. However, it has been suspected that the number of these birds is declining due to Amazonian deforestation.

Where does the Amazonian Umbrellabird live?

This bird species is found across the northern regions of South America, especially the Amazon Basin and the Andes. Their distribution is seen across Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Guyana.

What is an Amazonian Umbrellabird habitat?

The habitat of this species of umbrellabirds includes tropical woodland and forests. They are native to mountain foothills and lowlands, usually below 1,640.4 ft (500 m) and are seen hopping from one tree branch to another. During the breeding season, their distribution is observed in cloud forests at an altitude of 2624.6-6561.7 ft (800-2,000 m).

Who does the Amazon Umbrellabird live with?

Despite their solitary nature, the Amazonian Umbrellabird may live in pairs and groups. During the breeding season, they gather in groups called 'lek' to search for mates. In addition, they have been seen coexisting with the bare-necked umbrellabird and alike species such as Woodpeckers.

How long does an Amazonian Umbrellabird live?

The Amazonian Umbrellabird's lifespan has a range of 12-20 years.

How do they reproduce?

The male displays a courtship performance to impress the female. The territories of this species start filling up between March and April, and they mate with only one partner during each season. After selecting the mate, the female builds quite a large nest made from leaves, moss, and twigs. The nests of this bird species are placed inside tree trunks, usually away from the ground, to remain protected from predators that feed on eggs. The female has a clutch size of only one egg each season, which she incubates for about a month. Both the male and female take responsibility for feeding and caring for the chick. The fledgling phase lasts for a couple of months before the chicks leave the nests to fend for themselves. Additionally, it has been observed that new nests have been built next to old ones, suggesting that the female may return every year to the same tree to lay her egg.

What is their conservation status?

Despite their declining population distribution, this species has been given the conservation status of Least Concern by the IUCN.

What does the Amazonian Umbrellabird look like?

The Amazonian Umbrellabird male is slightly bigger than the female. These birds are blanketed in black feathers from head to toe. They have a characteristic long wattled throat-neck region, which is inflatable when producing a loud sound. This species also has a prominent, forward-curved crest on its head similar to that of the. These birds have bright, white eyes, with a black, raven-like beak, a relatively short tail, and thin, black feet.

How cute are they?

The appearance of this bird species may be quite scary. In addition, they have strange features like the crest on the head and the wattle on their throat, making them look out of the ordinary.

How do they communicate?

Not much is known about the communication patterns among this species. However, it is known that the males have courtship performances and travel in pairs or groups when foraging or during the mating season. In addition, the Amazonian Umbrellabird sound is described as a loud resonating boom-like call.

How big is the Amazonian Umbrellabird?

This is one of the three species of umbrellabirds and one of the biggest passerine birds of the world at a striking length of 16-22 in (40.6-55.8 cm), which is around the same size as the Hooded Crow.

How fast can an Amazonian Umbrellabird fly?

The flight speed of these birds is unknown. However, flying can be quite a daunting task for this species because of its big size. That is why they are often seen hopping from branch to branch with a tight claw grip. When flying, they tend to go short distances at a slow speed with undulating, chunky movements.

How much does an Amazonian Umbrellabird weigh?

The female weighs around 13.4 oz (380 g), which is the same as the female Rook. At the same time, the male's weight is measured between 13.4-20.1 oz(380-571 g), which is around twice the weight of the White-necked Raven.

What are the male and female names of the species?

The male and females of this species do not have separate names.

What would you call a baby Amazonian Umbrellabird?

The babies of these Umbrellabirds can be called chicks or juveniles.

What do they eat?

These omnivorous birds of the world feed in treetops and eat fruit, insects, larvae, and small animals. They use their curved beaks to capture prey and use their strong claws to stay put on the branches. Their eating habits are important to distribute seeds through the forest ecosystem.

Are they dangerous?

No, this bird species is not a high-ranking predator, and thus, it does not display dangerous behavior towards humans or other animals.

Would they make a good pet?

These are wild birds that prefer living in the tropics, which means they are not the ideal species to keep as pets.

Did you know...

Some of the natural predators of Umbrellabirds include snakes like anacondas, monkeys, hawks, and eagles.

Are Amazonian Umbrellabirds extinct?

No, these birds have been given the conservation status of Least Concern. However, it is recorded that their population is decreasing due to deforestation.

Why is it called a Umbrellabird?

The presence of the prominent crest on their heads is the reason behind the name received by the Umbrellabird.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Cape May Warbler facts and Snowy Egret facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable bird coloring pages.