Snow-capped Manakin

Overview

The snow-capped manakin (Lepidothrix nattereri) is a species of bird in the family Pipridae found in Bolivia and Brazil. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Males feature a white crown and upper nape, green upperparts, and yellow belly and undertail coverts, while females have a blue crown and nape.
• The species is small, measuring 8.5 to 9.2 cm in length and weighing 8 to 10 g, with females being larger than males.
• Both sexes possess a pale bluish bill, pinkish legs, and a yellowish white or pale yellow iris.
• Vocalisations include a high, slightly grating, steeply ascending 'tuWeét' and a soft, short 'chí-wrrr' produced by males.

Habitat

This species inhabits humid lowland terra firme forest in the central Amazon Basin south of the Amazon River, reaching elevations up to 500 m. Its range extends from the Madeira River east to the Tapajós and Xingu River basins in Brazil and slightly into northeastern Bolivia.

Diet

Little is known about its diet or foraging behaviour, but it is known to consume insects and spiders, with an assumption that it also feeds on fruit.

Did you know?

The snow-capped manakin and the opal-crowned manakin have hybridised multiple times in the past, leading to the evolution of the golden-crowned manakin.