Golden-headed Manakin

The golden-headed manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala, is a diminutive and vibrant bird, a member of the Pipridae family. The male is a striking figure with his jet-black body contrasted by a radiant golden cap, a yellowish bill, and a unique combination of white and red on his thighs, complemented by pink legs. The female, along with the juvenile males, presents an olive-green plumage and shares the pink legs, though they are less vivid than those of the male.

Identification Tips

To identify the golden-headed manakin, look for the male's distinctive golden head and the contrast of his black body with white and red thighs. Females and young males can be recognized by their olive-green coloration and pink legs, which are less bright than the males'. They are smaller and have shorter tails compared to the similar white-bearded manakin, and their legs are pinkish rather than bright orange.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of forested environments, including both wet and dry forests, secondary growth, and plantations. They are typically found up to an altitude of 3,600 feet, but can occasionally be spotted as high as approximately 5,000 feet above sea level.

Distribution

The golden-headed manakin ranges from Panama, Colombia, and Trinidad, extending south and east to the Guianas, Brazil, and northern Peru. Its presence is not recorded south of the Amazon or the Ucayali Rivers.

Behaviour

During the breeding season, male golden-headed manakins engage in a captivating display of cooperative lekking. Each male claims a perch and performs a series of jumps, slides, and darts to other perches, all while producing a buzzing sound and a zit-zit call. These displays can involve groups of up to 12 birds.

Song & Calls

The golden-headed manakin's display song is a distinctive buzzing sound, but it also communicates with a variety of calls, including a buzzing pir pir prrrrrt.

Breeding

The female is solely responsible for nest building, creating a shallow cup nest low in a tree. She lays two brown-mottled yellowish eggs and incubates them for about 16 to 17 days without the assistance of the male.

Similar Species

The female and juvenile golden-headed manakins can be confused with the female white-bearded manakin. However, they are distinguishable by their smaller size, shorter tails, and the pinkish hue of their legs.

Diet and Feeding

Golden-headed manakins primarily feed on fruit, supplemented by occasional insects and spiders.

Conservation Status

With a broad range and a stable population, the golden-headed manakin is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).