The pin-tailed manakin is a suboscine species of bird within the manakin family, Pipridae. This species is endemic to the Eastern coast of Brazil within the humid Atlantic Forest, and its range extends from the State of Bahia to the State of Rio Grande Do Sul. The pin-tailed manakin is monotypic within the genus Ilicura, and has no known subspecies. It is a relatively small species that has pronounced sexual dimorphism. Male birds of this species have a bright white neck, chest, auriculars, and flanks. They have black and dark-green wings, with a signature pin shape tail that has a small fork near the tip, helping to give it its common name in English. The males are most easily identified by their characteristically vibrant red fore-crown and rump. The females of this species are a muted green, except for their neck and auriculars—which are light grey, and their cream-colored chest. Both male and female birds of this species share a slightly elongated head shape that gives them a distinguished raised forehead. The pin-tailed manakin's vocalizations are quiet, but resemble a high-pitched "see-see-see" in descending tones.
Region
Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs from Bahia south to Rio Grande do Sul in humid evergreen and tall secondary forests. It favors dense understory and midstory strata, often near fruiting trees. The species tolerates some edge and selectively logged forest but is most frequent in well-preserved tracts. It may also use shaded agroforestry such as traditional cacao (cabruca) when canopy cover is high.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pin-tailed manakin is the sole member of the genus Ilicura and is restricted to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Males have a distinctive pin-like, slightly forked tail and perform animated courtship displays in small leks. Its soft, high-pitched descending see-see-see call can be hard to detect in dense understory. Habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest affects local populations, though the species remains relatively widespread where forest persists.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs while foraging, but males gather in small, loose leks to court females. Courtship involves rapid hops, short flights, and tail and wing displays from low perches. The female builds a small cup nest in the understory and alone incubates and cares for the young. Breeding occurs during the austral spring to summer.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, often a descending series of see-see-see notes. Calls can be easily missed in dense foliage and are used during displays and contact.
