Blue Manakin

Overview

The blue manakin (Chiroxiphia caudata), formerly known as the swallow-tailed manakin, is a small bird in the family Pipridae. It is a common species found in the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and far north-eastern Argentina, where it is rated as least concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Males have a bright blue body with a black head, wings, and tail, topped by a distinctive red crown.
• Females and juveniles are a duller olive-green or greenish-brown overall.
• A small bird of approximately 15 cm in length and 25.6 g in weight.
• Both sexes possess elongated central tail feathers.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, as well as heavily degraded former forests. It is found across north-eastern Argentina, southern and south-eastern Brazil, and Paraguay, where it is generally common in appropriate habitats.

Did you know?

Due to the pronounced hypergamous nature of the females, up to 90% of male blue manakins never mate.