Cryptopipo litae
The Choco Manakin, Cryptopipo litae, is a captivating yet often elusive passerine belonging to the family Pipridae. This diminutive bird measures approximately 9.5 cm (3.7 in) in length and weighs a mere 10-12 grams, characterized by its vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by a bright crimson cap contrasting with an otherwise brilliant emerald-green body, fading to a lighter, yellowish-green on the belly and undertail coverts. Females exhibit a more uniformly duller green overall, lackin...
Found primarily in the understory of humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, typically at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,100 meters (650-3,600 feet). It favors areas with dense vegetation, often near clearings or along forest edges.
Feeds primarily on small fruits, particularly berries from the Melastomataceae family, supplemented with small insects gleaned from foliage.
The Choco Manakin is a generally solitary and rather inconspicuous bird, contrasting with the more boisterous lekking displays of many manakin species. It forages quietly, moving deliberately through the mid-story and undergrowth, primarily gleaning fruits and insects from foliage. Unlike its fla...
The Choco Manakin is endemic to the humid lowlands and foothills of the Chocó biogeographic region, an area of high biodiversity. Its distribution is highly restricted to western Colombia, extending from the northern parts of Chocó and Antioquia departments, south through Risaralda and Valle del ...
Near Threatened
- The genus name 'Cryptopipo' literally translates to 'hidden manakin', a perfect description of its elusive nature. - Unlike most manakins known for their elaborate lekking displays, the Choco Manakin's courtship behaviors are remarkably subtle and less flashy. - Its bright red cap, a key male i...