Introducing... the Long-wattled Umbrellabird

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The long-wattled umbrellabird is a large black bird with a body length reaching 51 centimeters in the males. Females are only about half the size of the males. In the males the head of these birds shows an impressive overhanging crest, extending over the bill, composed by hair-like feathers.

The bird's common name comes from the a long, inflatable wattle hanging from central chest of the male, which is up to 35 cm long and covered in short, scaly feathers. This wattle may be inflated during the elaborate courtship. In the females, by contrast, the wattle and the crest are reduced.

These birds are usually silent, but in breeding season, the males shout a loud call. The nest of this bird was first seen by scientists in 2003. Building the nest and brooding the chicks is in the sole responsibility of the female. The diet of the long-wattled umbrellabird is composed of insects, lizards and fruit, especially palm-nuts.
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