Head to head
Three-wattled Bellbird vs Bare-necked Umbrellabird
Three-wattled Bellbird
VS Bare-necked Umbrellabird
Both are Vulnerable cotinga-family birds of Central American forest known for extraordinary courtship ornaments, but their displays differ completely.
| Three-wattled Bellbird | Bare-necked Umbrellabird | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Procnias tricarunculatus | Cephalopterus glabricollis |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Signature display | Explosively loud call | Inflatable throat wattle |
| Distinguishing feature | Three dangling fleshy wattles | Umbrella-like overhanging crest |
| Body colour | White head, chestnut-brown body | Glossy black |
| Range | Central America | Costa Rica and western Panama |
| Migration | Altitudinal migrant | Altitudinal migrant |
| Diet | Mainly fruit | Fruit and large insects |
Three-wattled Bellbird vs Bare-necked Umbrellabird: common questions
Which bird relies on sound and which on sight for its display?
The three-wattled bellbird relies on sound, producing one of the loudest bird calls on Earth, while the bare-necked umbrellabird relies on visual display through its umbrella-shaped crest and inflatable throat wattle.
Do both birds migrate?
Yes, both are altitudinal migrants, moving seasonally between lower and higher elevation forest within their Central American ranges to track fruiting trees.
Why are both species Vulnerable?
Both depend on intact forest across multiple elevations for their seasonal movements, and deforestation and fragmentation across that range have reduced the habitat each species needs.