The scientific name is Cephalopterus ornatus, and they inhabit the forest canopy, primarily distributed in Bolivia and Brazil, specializing in fruit consumption.
This bird is commonly known as the “umbrella bird”, not because it is sheltered by anyone, but due to a part on its head that resembles an umbrella covering its beak. This is actually the “love umbrella”, rather than a tool for shielding from rain or sun. This species has a uniquely artistic way of expressing affection: the male bird perches on a high branch, spreading the feathered crest on its head, which quickly covers the tip of its beak in a rhythmic dance of body swaying…
In addition to the crest that can fan out and cover the front, the umbrella bird also has a long pouch about 40 cm in length on its neck, which serves as an ornament. This pouch swings gently in front of its chest, moving in sync with the dance as the male tries to showcase its intense love for the female.
Despite their romantic displays, these South American birds are oddly unfortunate: their entire body is black with a bright-colored beak, and they have a black crest as well, adorned only at the front with iridescent feather spots that decorate their “pitch-black” attire.
