Xenopipo atronitens
The Black Manakin (Xenopipo atronitens) is a small, enigmatic passerine bird indigenous to the Amazon Basin, recognized by its distinctive, largely uniform dark plumage. Adult males are entirely glossy black, often appearing iridescent blue-black in certain light, while females are typically a duller sooty-black, sometimes with a faint olive tinge, and less glossy. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm in length and weighing 18-24 grams, it possesses a short tail and a stout bill characteristic of...
Found in the understory of humid lowland evergreen forests, including terra firme and várzea forests, typically at elevations below 500 meters, occasionally up to 1000 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on small berries and fruits, supplemented with small insects such as ants and beetles, typically obtained through gleaning or short sallies.
Black Manakins are diurnal and generally solitary or found in pairs, though males aggregate at leks for courtship displays. Males are known for their intricate ground displays, meticulously clearing small circular 'courts' on the forest floor, free of leaves and debris. During these displays, 2-5...
The Black Manakin is a widespread resident throughout the Amazon Basin. Its distribution extends from southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and eastern Peru, across northern Bolivia, southern Venezuela, the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana), and extensively throughout northern and c...
Least Concern
- The genus name *Xenopipo* translates to 'strange manakin,' perhaps reflecting its less flamboyant appearance compared to its brightly colored relatives. - Unlike many manakin species with striking sexual dimorphism, the female Black Manakin is also largely dark-plumaged, though duller and less ...