The Yungas manakin is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Region
Central Andes (Yungas)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the Yungas cloud forests of Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. It favors humid montane and foothill forests with dense understory, including secondary growth and forest edges. Often found along ravines and near fruiting trees where resources are concentrated. The species is largely sedentary within suitable habitat and shows fidelity to established leks.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males perform elaborate cooperative lek displays, with an alpha and beta male dancing in synchrony to attract females—a hallmark of the genus Chiroxiphia. The species is closely tied to humid Yungas cloud forests and acts as an important seed disperser by consuming small fruits. Their wings can produce audible snaps during display flights. Although generally not considered threatened, local habitat loss can affect populations.
Temperament
secretive in dense understory, males animated at leks
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Males gather at traditional leks where pairs of males perform synchronized dances and coordinated flights. Females visit leks to select mates, then nest and rear young alone. Nests are small, shallow cups placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with soft chips. During displays, males add mechanical wing snaps and buzzing notes that carry through the understory.
Plumage
Male is velvety black with a striking sky-blue crown and upper back; female is uniform olive-green with a paler throat. Both sexes have a compact, neat appearance with smooth, sleek feathers typical of manakins.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries from understory and mid-canopy plants, swallowing them whole and later dispersing seeds. Supplements diet with small arthropods gleaned from leaves or captured in brief sallies. Foraging is methodical, with frequent short movements between fruiting branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded, humid forest interiors, along edges, and in gaps where fruiting shrubs are abundant. Often uses perches near fruiting trees and may join mixed-species flocks when resources are patchy.
