The golden-headed manakin is a small passerine bird which breeds in tropical Central and South America in both wet and dry forests, secondary growth and plantations. It is a small manakin, about 9.4 centimetres (3.7 in) long. Males are entirely black apart from a golden head, yellow bill, white and red thighs and pink legs. Females and juveniles are olive-green with pink legs. At breeding time, males are involved in a cooperative lekking behaviour during which they jump, slide and dart from perch to perch. This is a fairly common species with a wide range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America (e.g., Panama) through northern South America including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Trinidad, and the Amazon Basin of Brazil and adjacent countries. Inhabits lowland wet and dry tropical forests, tall secondary growth, forest edges, vine tangles, and shaded plantations such as cacao. Prefers dense understory to midstory strata and small light gaps, especially near leks. Often avoids very open habitats and extensive savanna.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Golden-headed manakins are famed for their elaborate cooperative lek displays, where males perform coordinated slides, jumps, and rapid darts between perches. Their wings produce distinctive snaps and buzzes that accompany high-pitched calls during courtship. They are important seed dispersers in tropical forests, swallowing small fruits whole and passing viable seeds. Females alone build the nest and rear the young.
Adult male
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Males gather in leks where they perform energetic, highly choreographed displays including sliding and darting between perches; multiple males may coordinate to attract visiting females. Females select mates at the lek, then build a small cup nest alone and provide sole parental care. Nests are typically placed low in the understory, and clutches are small (usually 1–2 eggs).
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tseep and buzzy notes, often given from display perches. Courtship includes audible wing snaps and mechanical buzzes that sound like zips or whirs. Calls are brief and repeated, carrying well in dense understory.
