The Blue-crowned Manakin (Lepidothrix coronata) is a chunky little bird found in the understory of lowland forest across much of South America east of the Andes. Male is all black with a blue crown in most areas, but in parts of eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil his body is greener with a yellow belly and dark face. Female is lime green with a yellow belly. She is brighter green than females of most other manakins, but quite similar to several species; can be distinguished from Green Manakin by her short tail, and from females of Opal-crowned Manakin and Snow-capped Manakins by her darker eye. Female is also very similar to females of Blue-rumped Manakin and Cerulean-capped Manakin, but typically found at lower elevations. Usually seen alone in lower to middle levels of the rainforest, but several may congregate at a fruiting tree. Males give froglike “see-pur-wee” calls, and both sexes give well-spaced “sweet” calls.
Habitats & Distribution
The Blue-crowned Manakin inhabits tropical and subtropical lowland forests, primarily within the understory layer. It prefers moist, dense forests and edges, often found in areas with abundant vegetation and a closed canopy that provides ample cover and food resources. This bird typically inhabits regions that allow it to find fruits and insects, crucial components of its diet, within these well-shaded forest environments. Geographically, the Blue-crowned Manakin is distributed across a wide range in Central and South America. It can be found from southern Mexico, through Central American countries like Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, extending into western Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. Their range also extends slightly into the western confines of the Amazon Basin. This distribution highlights their preference for humid tropical zones and primarily lowland forest areas.
Behaviours & Reproduction
The Blue-crowned Manakin exhibits fascinating mating behaviors, particularly known for its elaborate courtship displays. Males gather in small groups called leks, where they perform acrobatic displays and emit mechanical-like sounds to attract females. Each male selects a small perch within the lek and showcases an array of dazzling movements, including rapid flights and impressive, coordinated poses that highlight their iridescent blue crowns. The social structure is significantly centered around these leks, with males competing for female attention while females observe and select a mate based on these performances. Once mating is successful, the females take on all responsibilities for nesting and raising the young, building well-camouflaged, cup-shaped nests in dense foliage. Eggs are laid and incubated solely by the female, demonstrating a clear division of reproductive roles.
Diet
forage mainly on small fruits and berries but they will eat insects. Food is often taken while they hover near a limb or dart up to grab food and return to their perch to eat.
Colors
Male is all black with a blue crown in most areas, but in parts of eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil his body is greener with a yellow belly and dark face. Female is lime green with a yellow belly.
Fun Facts
Formerly called Blue-crowned Manakin. Birds found in Central America, western Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador are now considered a separate species, Velvety Manakin.
Conservation Status & Efforts
The conservation status of the Blue-crowned Manakin is generally classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and relatively stable population. However, localized declines have been noted, primarily driven by habitat destruction and fragmentation, particularly in areas of intense deforestation for agriculture and logging. The loss of its tropical forest habitat is the most significant threat to the species. Conservation efforts for the Blue-crowned Manakin include the establishment and management of protected areas that preserve critical habitats. Various organizations are working to enforce stricter regulations on deforestation and promote sustainable land-use practices. Additionally, there are initiatives focused on reforestation and habitat restoration to support the recovery of populations in degraded areas. Public awareness campaigns aim to highlight the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation of tropical ecosystems.
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