Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/andean-cock-of-the-rock/ Species photography guide # Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Photography Holidays *Rupicola peruvianus* Explore our Andean Cock-of-the-Rock photography holidays in [Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/), planned around the conditions that give this species the best photographic potential during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/andean-cock-of-the-rock/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/andean-cock-of-the-rock/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/andean-cock-of-the-rock/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/andean-cock-of-the-rock/#nl-species-related) ![Andean Cock-of-the-Rock photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Where[Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock is a striking bird native to the Andean cloud forests of South America, widely regarded as the national bird of Peru. Males display brilliant scarlet or orange plumage with a prominent fan-shaped crest that nearly conceals the bill, while females are considerably duller with brownish colouring. They are highly social during breeding season, with males gathering at traditional display arenas known as leks to perform elaborate courtship behaviours. **Habitat** Andean cloud forests & rocky outcrops along river gorges, typically found at elevations between 500m & 2400m across Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andean_cock-of-the-rock) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Andean Cock-of-the-Rock with us in [Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/). These departures are part of our [South America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** The best time to photograph this species is during the early morning hours at lek sites, roughly from 5:30am to 8am. The breeding season from October through to March offers the most reliable & spectacular display activity, with males in full breeding plumage. **Approach** Position yourself near an active lek site before dawn & remain as still as possible to avoid disturbing the displaying males. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500s to freeze the energetic courtship movements & a wide aperture to separate subjects from the dense forest background. A long telephoto lens of 400mm or more is recommended to maintain a respectful distance while still capturing detailed plumage shots. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Amethyst Woodstar](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/amethyst-woodstar/)[Black-throated Mango](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-throated-mango/)[Blue-Necked Tanager](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/blue-necked-tanager/)[Chestnut-breasted Coronet](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/chestnut-breasted-coronet/)[Collared Inca](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-inca/)[Crested Quetzal](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/crested-quetzal/)[Long-tailed Sylph](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/long-tailed-sylph/)[Marvelous Spatuletail](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marvelous-spatuletail/)[Royal Sunangel](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/royal-sunangel/)[Rufous-crested Coquette](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-crested-coquette/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Andean Cock-of-the-Rock The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Andean Cock-of-the-Rock in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg) #### Related holiday Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds gives guests time in Peru where Andean Cock-of-the-Rock can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/peru/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock in Peru. During our photography holidays, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock is often photographed alongside Amethyst Woodstar, Black-throated Mango, Blue-Necked Tanager, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, & Crested Quetzal. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Single occupancy Maximum 5 guests Experienced guidance Guided by David - [![Join Us For The Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/peru/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) Limited Places ### 9th - 23rd Jan 2028 - Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds **Location:** Peru Travel to Peru with us for a wildlife photography holiday, during January 2028, focused on hummingbirds photographed with both natural & controlled setups. **14 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £6999 Now: £6749** Guided By **David Miles** [View Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/peru/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) -