Three-wattled bellbird

The three-wattled bellbird is a captivating migratory bird native to Central America, belonging to the cotinga family. Males are visually striking with their white heads and chestnut-brown bodies, adorned with three long, black wattles used for display. In contrast, females have olive plumage with yellow streaks. These birds breed in Costa Rica and migrate to Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

One of the most remarkable features of the three-wattled bellbird is its distinctive bell-like call. These birds are more often heard than seen because they tend to be quite elusive. Unfortunately, they are classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat destruction.

Male bellbirds have a unique method of attracting mates: they produce a loud "bonk" sound to catch the attention of females. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, making them crucial for seed dispersal in their ecosystems. In fact, the male's song is one of the loudest bird calls on Earth!

Regrettably, the population of three-wattled bellbirds is declining due to habitat loss. To counter this, conservation efforts such as reforestation programs are being implemented to protect their natural habitats.