The Choco manakin is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.
Region
Chocó–Darién and West Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests from eastern Panama (Darién) through western Colombia into northwestern Ecuador. It inhabits primary forest and mature secondary growth, especially along shaded streams and in dense understory. The species prefers interior forest but may visit edges and light gaps when fruiting shrubs are present. Sensitivity to heavy fragmentation means it is most frequent in larger forest blocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Chocó manakin is a small, fruit-loving member of the manakin family that plays an important role in seed dispersal within humid tropical forests. Males gather at traditional leks to perform quick hops, fluttering flights, and wing snaps to attract females. Females alone build the nest and rear the young. This species favors shaded forest interiors and can be quiet and easily overlooked despite its striking male plumage.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Males gather in small leks where each defends a tiny display perch and performs rapid hops, buzzes, and wing snaps. Courtship is polygynous; females choose mates and then build a small, cup-shaped nest alone. Nests are typically placed low to mid-story on slender horizontal branches over shaded areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The voice consists of thin, high whistles and soft tsee notes interspersed with mechanical wing snaps during display. Calls are subtle and can be hard to detect beyond close range in dense forest.
