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Overview
Olive manakin

Olive manakin

Wikipedia

The olive manakin is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Guiana Shield and northern Amazonia

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid evergreen forests of northern South America, especially within the Guiana Shield spanning northern Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela. It favors forest edges, riverine corridors, light gaps, and foothill forests, where small fruiting trees and vines are abundant. Birds typically use the lower to mid-story but may ascend to the subcanopy when feeding. It is generally local and uncommon, but can be more easily encountered where fruit resources are concentrated.

Altitude Range

100–1600 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size11–12 cm
Wing Span18–22 cm
Male Weight0.012 kg
Female Weight0.011 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The olive manakin is a small, uniformly olive-green manakin of the Guiana Shield, often overlooked due to its subdued coloration. Unlike many of its more flamboyant relatives, it has modest displays and a quiet voice, making it easier to detect by careful listening. It frequents shaded forest interiors and edges, darting between perches with rapid, direct flights. Pairs or small groups sometimes join mixed-species flocks along forest edges and streamside vegetation.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

quiet and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found singly, in pairs, or small groups; may join mixed-species flocks at forest edges and along streams. Courtship is modest compared to showier manakins, with simple perch-to-perch movements and soft snapping sounds. Nesting involves a small cup nest placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation; the female is thought to handle most nesting duties.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives soft, thin whistles and high tseet notes, often delivered from shaded perches. Vocalizations are quiet and easily missed, serving more for close-range contact than long-distance advertisement.

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