The Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata) is one of four species of bellbird that live in Central and South America. It is part of the cotinga family.
Famous for having one of the most unique and distinct vocalizations of any bird in its range, the three-wattled bellbird exists from Western Honduras south to Eastern Panama. It frequents middle and upper levels of mountain forests (Cordillera de Tilaran, Caribbean slope of Cordillera Central, both slopes on the Cordillera de Talamanca).
While little is known about the migratory behavior of these birds, they breed primarily in Costa Rican highlands (March-September) and return to lower elevations for the interim months.
They feed on fruit, especially those in the Lauraceae family. Because of this they are considered an altitudinal migrant as they follow fruiting peaks around the country and even cross borders into neighboring countries on both North and South ends of Costa Rica.
Because of the secretive behavior of this bird, it is often only detected by its distinctive bell-like call given by the males. At close range, the vocalization is heard as a complex three-part song, the final “bonk” giving the bird its name. This hollow, wooden “bonk” is thought to be among the loudest bird calls on Earth, audible to humans from over half a mile away.
Credit : Beauty of Birds
Picture Credit : Google
