The golden-crowned manakin is a small species of perching bird in the manakin family (Pipridae). It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Amazon
Typical Environment
Found in lowland terra firme rainforest south of the Amazon River, particularly between major river interfluves in Pará. It favors mature, closed-canopy forest with a dense understory and light gaps where fruiting shrubs are common. Birds keep low to mid-levels, often 1–10 m above ground. The species’ range is small and fragmented by ongoing deforestation and development.
Altitude Range
100–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden-crowned manakin is a small manakin endemic to the Brazilian Amazon and is notable as a likely case of hybrid speciation between the opal-crowned and snow-capped manakins. Males have a distinctive golden-yellow crown created by pigment overlaying a structurally reflective crown. It inhabits terra firme rainforest and remains poorly known due to its restricted range and secretive habits.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Like other manakins, males display at leks, performing quick flights and postures to attract females. Females alone build a small cup nest low in the understory and provide all parental care. Outside the breeding season, birds may join loose mixed flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched notes and short whistles delivered from low perches. Males also produce mechanical wing snaps during displays, contributing to their lekking sounds.
Plumage
Males are velvety black with a striking golden-yellow crown; females are dull olive-green with paler underparts and lack the bright crown. Both sexes have short tails and compact bodies typical of manakins.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, swallowing them whole and later dispersing seeds. It supplements fruit with small arthropods, gleaned from foliage or taken during short sallies. Feeding is often rapid and from repeated favorite perches within fruiting shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and lower midstory of mature terra firme forest, especially at fruiting shrubs and small trees. Also uses natural light gaps and forest edges where fruit is abundant.
