Orange-crested Manakin

Overview

The orange-crested manakin, or orange-crowned manakin (Heterocercus aurantiivertex), is a small, sexually dimorphic bird in the family Pipridae. It is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing despite a large range.

Identification

• Approximately 14 cm long, with adult males featuring a grayish olive head, a hidden orange crown stripe, and grayish white, silky throat feathers.
• Females lack the orange crown and possess duller plumage with paler underparts compared to males.
• Both sexes have dark brown irises, long narrow dark bills, and dark legs and feet.
• Song described as a rising-falling-rising, tinkling chatter, while displays end with a mechanically produced 'pop'.

Habitat

Found in humid várzea forest and woodlands, primarily along blackwater rivers, reaching elevations up to about 300 m. Its range covers eastern Ecuador, northern Peru, and locally along the Amazon in Brazil, with possible unconfirmed records in Colombia.

Diet

Feeds on small fruits, especially figs (Ficus), and insects. Foraging behaviour involves taking food in aerial sallies from a perch.

Did you know?

The male performs an elaborate courtship display involving an upward spiral flight that concludes with a flat circular pattern at its apex, ending in a mechanical 'pop'.