Golden-headed Manakin

Overview

The golden-headed manakin is a small passerine bird native to tropical Central and South America. It is a compact forest species that breeds in both wet and dry forests, secondary growth, and plantations.

Identification

• Males are entirely black except for a golden head, yellow bill, white and red thighs, and pink legs.
• Females and juveniles are olive-green with pink legs.
• A compact bird approximately 9.4 cm (3.7 in) long.
• Males produce a buzzing display song, including a 'pir pir prrrrrt' call.

Habitat

Found from Panama and Trinidad south to the Guianas and Brazil, this species inhabits forests, secondary growth, and plantations. It is typically found up to 1,100 m (3,600 ft) in altitude, though occasionally higher, and does not occur south of the Amazon or Ucayali Rivers.

Diet

This manakin feeds on fruit, along with some insects and spiders.

Did you know?

At breeding time, males engage in a cooperative lekking behaviour where groups of up to 12 birds jump, slide, and dart between perches together while producing whirring wing sounds and buzzing calls.