umbrella bird

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Any of three species of bird of tropical South and Central America, family Cotingidae, order Passeriformes, about 45 cm/18 in long. The Amazonian species Cephalopterus ornatus, the ornate umbrella bird, has an inflatable wattle at the neck to amplify its humming call, and in display elevates a long crest (12 cm/4 in) lying above the bill so that it rises umbrella-like above the head. These features are less noticeable in the female, which is brownish, while the male is blue-black.

In the long-wattled umbrella bird C. penduliger, the wattle is covered with black feathers and may reach a length of 28 cm/11 in. The wattle of C. glabricollis is short, bare, and red.

Red represents progress and love. White symbolizes justice and freedom. Green stands for hope and fertility. Effective date: 25 November 1975. >>