The red-headed manakin is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Inhabits humid lowland rainforests of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru, primarily within the Amazon Basin. Prefers terra firme forest but also uses seasonally flooded várzea and edges of secondary growth. Most activity occurs in the shaded understory and lower midstory where fruiting shrubs and small trees are abundant. Males establish traditional leks in small clearings or open understory patches.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males perform elaborate lek displays with rapid hops, short flights, and audible wing snaps to attract females. Formerly placed in the genus Pipra, this Amazonian manakin is an important seed disperser thanks to its fruit-rich diet. The striking red head of the male sharply contrasts with its black body, while females are olive and well-camouflaged in the understory.
Illustration from the original description
Temperament
shy in dense cover; males become bold and active at leks
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Displays a lekking system where multiple males gather to perform courtship routines while females visit briefly to choose mates. Nests are small, cup-shaped, and placed low in the understory. Outside of leks, birds are generally solitary or in loose associations and may follow mixed-species flocks when foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with soft calls. Males also produce mechanical wing snaps and buzzing sounds during display, which carry well in the understory.
