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The blue manakin or swallow-tailed manakin is a small species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found mainly in the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and far north-eastern Argentina. Its typical habitat is wet lowland or montane forest and heavily degraded former forest. Males have a bright blue body, black head wings and tail and a red crown. Females and juveniles are olive-green. At breeding time, males are involved in lekking behaviour when they sing and dance to impress females. This is a common species with a wide range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
At a length of around 15 cm (5.9 in) and a weight of around 25.6 g (0.90 oz), this small sparrow-sized bird may be the largest species within the diminutive manakin family. Formerly, the name "swallow-tailed manakin" was used widely, but as it is misleading (the tail is unlike that of any swallow), this name has largely been abandoned for "superior blue manakin". As suggested by this common name, the male is – by far – the manakin with most blue to the plumage. The entire body is bright blue, while the wings, tail and head, except for the red cap, are black.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Blue Manakin sounds like
Where the Blue Manakin lives
When to see the Blue Manakin
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Long-tailed ManakinChiroxiphia linearisLarge for a manakin, the long-tailed measures about 10 cm (3.9 in) long and weighs 18 g (0.63 oz).
Lance-tailed ManakinChiroxiphia lanceolataLike other manakins, the lance-tailed manakin is a compact, brightly coloured forest bird, typically 13.5 cm long and weighing 17.5 g.
Blue-backed ManakinChiroxiphia pareolaLike other manakins, the blue-backed manakin is a compact, brightly coloured forest bird, typically 13 cm long and weighing 19 g.
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