Wire-tailed Manakin
NameWire-tailed Manakin
Common NameWire-tailed Manakin
Scientific NamePipra filicauda
FamilyPipridae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a brilliant red crown, yellow face, nape, and underparts. Their back, wings, and central tail feathers are black. The two central tail feathers are greatly elongated into fine, bare 'wires' that curl upwards. Females are duller, predominantly olive-green with a paler yellowish belly and lack the distinctive tail wires.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched whistles and a series of 'peep' notes. During courtship displays, males produce mechanical wing-snapping sounds.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the western Amazon basin of South America, including parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. It typically inhabits humid lowland forests, often near rivers and in várzea forests.
Identifying FeaturesMale's bright red crown, yellow face and underparts, and black back, Male's two greatly elongated, wire-like central tail feathers, Small size and typical manakin shape, Elaborate lekking courtship displays by males
Description
This small, brightly colored manakin is known for the male's striking plumage and unique tail feathers. Males engage in elaborate courtship displays at leks to attract females. They primarily feed on small fruits and insects found in the forest understory.
