With it’s Elvis Presley-like feather-do and weird chest wattle, the Long-wattled Umbrellabird is a site to see.

Don’t live near the wet, humid forests on the western slopes of Columbia and Ecuador where this species is found? No problem. We’ve “flown” through the internet to bring you some fun facts on this odd bird.

Check them out!

Did You Know?

The all-black male Long-wattled Umbrellabird gets its name from the crest of fine, hair-like feathers that hang all the way over its bill (like an umbrella). That must come in handy when it rains!

This bird also has a long wattle that is covered in short, scaly feathers hanging from its chest. This wattle of feathers can measure around 14 inches in length!

During mating season, the Long-wattled inflates these feathers – they look like a pine cone!

Females and immature birds are only half the size of males. Their wattles are much smaller or absent altogether.

The diet of the Long-wattled consists of nuts, small lizards, and insects.

This bird species is threatened due to deforestation and people stealing them to sell for pets.

The Long-wattled Umbrellabird is not a very good flyer. For this reason, it prefers to jump from branch-to-branch high up in the forest canopy.

During breeding season, the male Long-wattle makes a lot of noise. It uses loud, grunting calls and low-frequency booming sounds. These can be heard up to almost a mile away.

Check out the wattle of this bird in action…

What do you think of this fascinating bird? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section!