The Umbrellabird is a large, tropical species of bird that is found inhabiting the rainforests of Central and South America.
Amazing Facts About the Umbrellabird
- There are three different species of umbrellabird which are the Long-wattled umbrellabird, the Amazonian umbrellabird and the Bare-necked umbrellabird all of which live in slightly different areas.
- All three species are relatively similar in appearance with an umbrella-like crest on the top of their heads (for which they were named) and a pendant-shaped inflatable pouch on their throats.
- The Umbrellabird is found throughout the sub-tropical belt of Central and South America where they spend the majority of their time hopping between branches high up in the tree canopy.
- The Umbrellabird is generally a solitary animal that is known to co-inhabit areas with other birds including other Umbrellabirds, and similar species such as Woodpeckers.
- Although the Umbrellabird can indeed fly short distances, they tend to be relatively slow and clunky in the air.
- The Umbrellabird plays a vital role in their native eco-system as they distribute the seeds from the fruits that they eat across the forest.
- Monkeys and snakes are the primarily predators of the umbrellabird, along with large birds of prey such as hawks and eagles.
- All three species are under threat, mainly due to the loss of significant chunks of their natural habitats, with most of the remaining populations now found in protected areas.
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