The jet manakin is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the east slope of the Andes in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, inhabiting humid montane and foothill forests. It favors dense understory and midstory strata, especially near fruiting trees. The species also uses forest edges and older secondary growth where canopy cover remains high. It is typically local but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The jet manakin is a small Andean songbird named for the male’s uniform, glossy black plumage. Like many manakins, it relies heavily on fruit and helps disperse seeds in montane forests. Males perform subtle display behaviors, while females handle all nesting duties. It is generally quiet and inconspicuous in dense understory.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within dense understory, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks when feeding. Males perform modest courtship displays and may use small display areas; females build a small cup nest and handle incubation and chick rearing. Territoriality is mild, with birds relying on cover rather than overt aggression.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched whistles and thin trills delivered from concealed perches. Calls are brief and can be easily overlooked amid forest ambient noise.
Plumage
Male is uniformly glossy black with a smooth, plain appearance; female is olive-green above with paler, yellowish-olive underparts and a plainer, softer texture. Juveniles resemble the female. Overall plumage is unpatterned and sleek, suited to shadowy understory.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries from understory shrubs and midstory trees. It supplements its diet with small arthropods, gleaned from foliage or taken with short sallies. Seasonal availability of fruit influences foraging movements within territories. By swallowing fruits whole and defecating seeds, it contributes to forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded understory and lower midstory of humid montane forest. Frequently visits fruiting trees along trails, ravines, and forest edges where cover is close by. Often selects perches with quick access to dense vegetation for rapid retreats.
