| Characteristics: |
13 cm long and weighs approx. 26 g. This small bird has a beautiful colouring. The plumage of the crown and the nape of the male are a vivid red and are in stark contrast to the black on the rest of its head and its bright sky blue body. Its central tail feathers are longer than the lateral tail feathers and are an olive green colour in the male, female and juvenile. The crown of the male juveniles gradually turns from an orange colour before turning completely red.
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| Call: |
The dominating male (Alpha male) marks it territory with a loud and resonant drruuu ved call. This call is used to attract both friends and females. During courtship the Blue Manakin employs its excellent dancing skills. He performs a well-coordinated ceremony that involves various males performing a dance recital for the female. This ritual usually lasts about 30 seconds but may take up to 2 minutes.
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| Habitat: |
This species inhabits the middle levels of dense forests as well as forests in close proximity to cities. This bird only leaves the forest on rare occasions. |
| Distribution: |
The Blue Manakin is native to the Atlantic rain forest of Brazil and can also be found in Eastern Paraguay and Northeast Argentina.
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| Biology: |
It feeds mainly on fruits but also on small insects and spiders. During the mating season the males present themselves in a row on "stages" (branches in the middle of the forest) and perform spectacular flights for the female. The male that impresses the female the most is allowed to mate with her. The female constructs the nest herself and looks after the eggs and young juveniles.
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Bird Call
