The crimson-hooded manakin, also known as orange-headed manakin, is a species of passerine bird in the family Pipridae. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Guianas and northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found in Brazil (northern Amazonia), French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela, especially across the Guiana Shield. Prefers lowland humid forests, gallery forests, and riverine woodlands, often near seasonally flooded areas. Common in forest edges and secondary growth where fruiting shrubs are abundant. Typically occupies the understory to midstory, moving between shaded perches. Occurs locally where suitable fruit resources are concentrated.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males perform energetic lek displays, including rapid hops and wing snaps, to attract females. The species plays an important role in seed dispersal by swallowing small fruits whole and passing viable seeds. Strong sexual dimorphism means males are strikingly red-and-black while females are olive, aiding camouflage at the nest.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Males gather in small leks where each defends a display perch and performs rapid hops and wing snaps for visiting females. Pairs are not long-term; females select a mate at the lek and then nest and raise young alone. Nests are shallow cups slung in low shrubs or small trees, usually near forest edges or along streams.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with soft buzzes. During displays, males add sharp mechanical wing snaps and clicks that carry through the understory.
Plumage
Male with a vivid crimson to orange-red hood and head contrasting with a velvety black body; female is uniformly olive-green with softer tones and subtle wing edging.
Diet
Primarily eats small fruits and berries from understory and midstory plants, swallowing them whole. Supplements diet with small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and snatched in short sallies. By passing seeds intact, it contributes to regeneration of fruiting shrubs and trees. Feeding tends to be in brief bouts between quiet perching.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shady understory and along forest edges, especially at fruiting shrubs and small trees. Frequently visits river margins, gallery forest, and secondary growth where fruit availability is high.
