Cock of the Rocks: The Messenger With a Hump

The Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana) is the national bird of Peru. It is primarily found in the mountainous and forested areas of the jungle. The male's bright red plumage, combined with its prominent crest, makes it one of the most visually striking birds.
An ancient legend tells that when the last Inca prince of Vilcabamba realized his defeat was inevitable and there was nowhere left to hide, he spent his final night with the cock-of-the-rocks in his garden. In this moment of stillness, he told the birds to fly far away, toward the misty subtropical forests. He asked that their plumage, as bright as fire, become a symbol of the joy that transcended all the great things the Incas had achieved.
It is a stunning sight to watch several male cock-of-the-rocks rise from the branches to fly. In that moment, their red and orange feathers unfurl in the air, creating a vision that looks like a living flame, harmlessly moving through the trees.
Before bidding them farewell, the prince entrusted the birds with a mission: to carry with them the knowledge of how to read the quipus and move stones without the use of wheels—secrets that the empire had kept for centuries. The birds, in their flight to the most remote corners of the jungle, became guardians of these ancient secrets, though they could not transmit them.
Though this story is purely a product of my imagination, I can't help but feel that, when observing these small birds in nature, one senses a deep connection to the history and magic that continues to fill the Andes.
Why do we tell you this? Because one of the best places to observe this species is in the Inkatambo area, located just two hours by car from Birds Hotel Molino. If you have the time to spend a couple of days there and have patience, the cock-of-the-rocks will not disappoint you; in fact, they might even inspire you to create your own story.