MANAKIN

About the Manakin

Did you know? You’ll find nine different types of these performance-loving birds in Tambopata, home to Rainforest Expeditions lodges!

Even among the dozens of colorful bird species in the Tambopata rainforest, the Manakin stands out from the crowd. Trogons dazzle with glittering plumage, toucans illuminate the canopy with their large, vivid beaks, and macaws’ colors are as loud as their screeching voices. But none of these birds can do a song and dance like the Manakin!

Manakins are small birds that live in the rainforest understory, but don’t get us wrong — these birds have big personalities. When it comes to winning their sweethearts’ affection, Male Manakins are natural performers. In fancy displays (check out this amazing video!), males show off their bright colors to attract the much duller females. Not any old spot will serve for their dancing displays, either. Depending on the species, Manakins choose areas with thin saplings, a bit of bare ground, or even a flat log to perform their dances. While some lift and rattle their wings, others shake their tails back and forth, and many do sudden, little jumps into the air — accompanied by abrupt calls! Learn more about these entertaining displays here.

Nine Manakin species live around our Rainforest Expeditions eco-lodges deep in the Amazon jungle. You can spot several types of these treasured birds around our Tambopata home, all with their signature bright plumage and courtship displays! You’re most likely to see the Band-tailed Manakin, the Round-tailed Manakin, and the Fiery-capped Manakin.

• The Band-tailed Manakin is named after the white band on its black tail, though the male actually has beautiful yellow and red plumage.


• The male Round-tailed Manakin is velvet black with a bright red head and yellow thighs.


• Finally, the aptly named Fiery-capped Manakin has reddish streaks on its underparts and a bright red and yellow crown.

Manakin Fun Facts

• Frugivores: Most Manakins eat fruits, which make up much of their diet. As they hover through the air, the birds pick small berries from low-hanging plants — these little guys are rarely seen in the canopy above. In fact, this tendency may be behind the males’ bright plumage and courtship behaviors! Because Manakins don’t need to move around much to find food, they’re difficult for predators to catch. This might allow them to be more flamboyant!


• Mechanical noises: Some species make noises that sound almost like machines! Studies show that these noises aren’t even vocal — Manakins make them using modified feathers in the wings.


• A Dutch name: Manakins were named after “mannekij,” the Dutch word for “little man.” That sounds about right to us!

What birds can I find in the Amazon? Read our story

How to plan your Amazon jungle travel to see Manakins and other jungle wildlife

• Watch for fruiting plants in the understory: As with many rainforest birds, if you find the food source, you’ll find the bird. Fruiting trees can be a scarce resource, so once Manakins find them they like to stick around.


• Explore with a trained guide: Despite their bright colors, Manakins can be surprisingly difficult to see. Their small size and tendency to stay perched for long periods make them tough to find. Visit the stunning Rainforest Expedition lodges in the Peruvian Amazon.  Our experienced guides are familiar with their calls and might know where they’ve been spotted. They’ll help you find them!