This appealing and robust small bird thrives in tropical forests found in both dry and humid lowland regions and foothills.
Meet the Long-tailed manakin:
“File:Flickr – Rainbirder – Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis).jpg” by Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
The long-tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis) is a bird species belonging to the Pipridae family, native to Central America, where it dwells in both wet and dry tropical as well as subtropical forests. This plump, small bird measures approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) in length. Male long-tailed manakins sport black plumage with a blue back, complemented by a red crown, with the two central tail feathers being significantly elongated.
“long-tailed manakin, manaquín cola larga” by Christoph Moning is licensed under CC BY 4.0. (crooped)
In contrast, females and juveniles exhibit olive-green coloring with lighter undersides.
During the breeding season, males engage in cooperative lekking behavior, featuring a complex and synchronized courtship dance.
“long-tailed manakin, manaquín cola larga” by Chloe and Trevor Van Loon is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Distribution and Habitat: The long-tailed manakin can be found in several Central American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
“Long-tailed manakin” by ryanacandee is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and areas that were once heavily forested but have since undergone significant degradation.
“Long-tailed manakin” by ryanacandee is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Long-tailed Manakin has a diverse diet that includes a wide range of fruits, with their food choices varying depending on the availability of ripe fruits at any given time.
“Long-tailed Manakins” by ryanacandee is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Ecology: Long-tailed manakin males exhibit intriguing family dynamics. They form long-term partnership duos or trios, engaging in synchronized singing and complex, coordinated courtship dances to attract potential mates. If a female is drawn to their performance and chooses to mate, only the alpha male will inseminate her. Within a locality featuring multiple displaying male partnerships (a dispersed lek), a select few males are responsible for the majority of matings during a breeding season. Similar to other lekking species, once mating occurs, the female assumes responsibility for building the nest and raising the offspring without male involvement.
“long-tailed manakin, manaquín cola larga” by Christoph Moning is licensed under CC BY 4.0. (cropped)
Status: Due to its extensive range, relatively common occurrence, and presumed large population, the long-tailed manakin is classified as a species of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The population trend is believed to be stable.
“long-tailed manakin, manaquín cola larga” by geralg is marked with CC0 1.0.
Watch this bird’s interesting courtship display: