Araripe Manakin

General Description: The Araripe manakin (Antilophia bokermanni) is a critically endangered bird species from the family of manakins (Pipridae). Males and females of this species exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in their plumage colors. The males are predominantly white with black wings and tail, and a carmine red patch running from the frontal tuft to the middle back. The females are mainly olive green with pale green upperparts and a reduced olive green frontal tuft.

Identification Tips: The Araripe manakin is a relatively large and long-tailed manakin, measuring about 14.5 centimeters (5.7 inches) in total length. The striking plumage colors and the helmet-like crown of the males make them easily distinguishable from other bird species in their habitat.

Habitat: This species is endemic to the Chapada do Araripe (Araripe uplands) in the Brazilian state of Ceará. It is found in a small area that is only 50 kilometers long and one kilometer wide. The typical habitat of the Araripe manakin is characterized by the soils formed from the Santana Formation limestone.

Distribution: The Araripe manakin is known to have a pure breeding range of only 1 square kilometer (0.39 square miles) within the Chapada do Araripe. However, it is likely to be more widespread than currently known, although surveys in nearby areas have failed to locate any individuals.

Behaviour: Due to its critically endangered status, the behavior of the Araripe manakin is not extensively documented. However, like other manakin species, it is known to exhibit lekking behavior, where males gather in specific areas to perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.

Song & Calls: Further research and observation are needed to document the vocalizations of this species.

Breeding: The breeding behavior of the Araripe manakin is not extensively documented. However, it is known that the females build nests and lay eggs. The specific details of their breeding biology, such as nest structure and incubation period, are not available in the provided source.

Similar Species: The Araripe manakin is closely related to the helmeted manakin (Antilophia galeata), which is more widespread. The helmeted manakin is known as the "soldadinho" in Portuguese, while the Araripe manakin is called "soldadinho-do-araripe." These two species share similarities in their appearance, but the Araripe manakin can be distinguished by its helmet-like crown and the carmine red patch on its back.

Diet and Feeding: The Araripe manakin consumes both plant and animal materials as part of its diet. Approximately 80% of its diet comes from the plant Clidemia biserrata. Fruits are the primary food item for this species, although they also consume arthropods. Females have a more diverse diet than males, as their olive-green plumage provides them with better camouflage in forests, allowing them to find food with less predation.

Conservation Status: The Araripe manakin is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population size is estimated to be between 150 and 700 mature individuals, with the majority living in Brazil. The species faces threats from habitat destruction, particularly due to the conversion of its habitat into a theme park with swimming pools and banana plantations. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this rare bird, and Sir David Attenborough has championed its cause to raise funds for its conservation.