Red-capped manakin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red-capped manakin |
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| Genus: |
Ceratopipra
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| Species: |
mentalis
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The red-capped manakin (scientific name: Ceratopipra mentalis) is a small, colorful bird. It belongs to a family of birds called Pipridae, also known as manakins. You can find this bird in many countries in Central and South America, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.
These birds usually live in humid forests and woodlands. They are famous for the male's amazing dance moves. He shuffles backward very fast, almost like a "moonwalk" dance, to impress females!
Contents
What is a Red-Capped Manakin?
How Big Are These Birds?
The red-capped manakin is a small passerine bird, which means it's a type of perching bird. It is about 4 in (10 cm) long. This is roughly the length of your hand. It weighs about 16 g (0.56 oz), which is lighter than a few coins.
What Do They Look Like?
Male red-capped manakins are easy to spot. They have a body that looks like velvety black fabric. Their head and the back of their neck are a bright, fiery red. They also have bright yellow feathers on their upper legs and a pale yellow chin. Their eyes are white.
Female red-capped manakins look different. They are mostly olive green on top. Their belly and chest are a lighter, more yellowish-green. Both males and females have dull brown legs. Young birds look similar to females.
How Are They Different from Similar Birds?
It can be tricky to tell female red-capped manakins apart from other birds. For example, the male golden-collared manakin is larger. It also has orange legs instead of brown ones. The female velvety manakin is a brighter green than the olive-colored female red-capped manakin.
Where Do Red-Capped Manakins Live?
Their Forest Homes
Red-capped manakins mostly live in humid forests. They also like woodlands where trees have grown back after being cut down. They usually live in areas below 400–500 m (1,300–1,600 ft) above sea level. Sometimes, they can be found higher up, around 900 m (3,000 ft).
Do They Move Around?
Most red-capped manakins stay in one place their whole lives. However, some of them do move around. They travel to find their favorite fruits when they are ripe. For example, at a place called La Selva Biological Reserve in Costa Rica, many more manakins were seen in January and February. This was when a special fruit they love became ripe.
What Do Red-Capped Manakins Eat?
Their Fruity Diet
Red-capped manakins are mostly fruit-eaters. They eat almost nothing but fruit! When they eat fruit, it goes through their body very quickly. It usually takes less than 18 minutes for the fruit to be digested.
What Kinds of Fruit Do They Eat?
These birds eat seeds from many different plants. One study in Costa Rica looked at the droppings of red-capped manakins. They found seeds from 70 different types of plants! Some of these plants include Clidemia, Hampea, Henriettea, Leandra, Miconia, Ossaea, Pinzona, and Psychotria.
Images for kids
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Male red-capped manakin
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Dixiphia mentalis - Red-capped Manakin
Another view of a red-capped manakin
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Map showing where red-capped manakins live
