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Overview
Wire-tailed manakin

Wire-tailed manakin

Wikipedia

The wire-tailed manakin is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Western Amazon Basin

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland tropical rainforests of Brazil (western Amazon), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and southern Venezuela. Prefers terra firme and flooded (várzea) forests, forest edges, and light gaps. Often seen in the lower to mid-story near leks set on horizontal saplings. Uses secondary growth and edges for feeding where fruit is abundant.

Altitude Range

0–1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm
Wing Span18–20 cm
Male Weight0.01 kg
Female Weight0.011 kg
Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Wire-tailed manakin males gather at leks where they perform energetic displays with rapid hops, wing-snaps, and whirring sounds to attract females. The species is named for its extremely long, wiry central tail feathers that end in tiny discs. As a primarily fruit-eating bird, it plays a role in seed dispersal in Amazonian forests.

Gallery

Bird photo
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Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

shy in the forest but highly active and bold at leks

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Males display on leks, each defending small courts where they perform coordinated hops and darts. Females visit leks to select mates, then nest and rear young alone. Nests are typically small cups placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

High, thin whistles interspersed with sharp mechanical snaps produced by the wings. Display sequences include rapid ticking, buzzing, and sliding notes that carry through the understory.

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