This is Bird Note.

The cloud forests of the Andes Mountains offer a symphony of bird sounds.

But there's also something less melodic.

Something that sounds like a cross between a chainsaw and a squealing pig.

In fact, it's another bird, the Andean cock of the rock.

The National Bird of Peru, male birds of this species, sport a splendid, bright red plumage

along with a head crest reminiscent of a night's battle helmet.

Their headgear is often so big, it looks like it might throw them off balance and flight.

True to form with their bold plumage, the Andean cock of the rock also takes part in,

well, cocky mating rituals.

During mating season, groups of males gather at centrally located lex, or breeding spots,

where they scream, grunt, flap their wings, bob their heads and clap their bills at each

other in mock fights.

Once the more modest brown feathered females arrive to the party, they make their choice

amongst the dancing males.

Then they head off to build a nest high in a cliff wall.

As for the mate, she leaves him back in the leg to keep bickering with the other jealous

suitors.

For Bird Note, I'm Ariana Rimmel.