Ilicura militaris
The Pin-tailed Manakin (`Ilicura militaris`) is a striking, small passerine endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, immediately recognizable by the male's extraordinary plumage and unique tail. Males measure around 12-12.5 cm, including their distinctive 'pin-tail,' and boast a vibrant black body contrasting with a brilliant red crown, a pure white nape, and a white underside. Their most remarkable feature is the elongated, stiff, and spiky central tail feathers, which can add ...
This species primarily inhabits the understory and mid-story of humid primary and mature secondary Atlantic Forest, often favoring areas near streams or moist valleys. It can be found from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 1500 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of small fruits, particularly berries from genera like *Miconia* and *Clidemia*, supplemented by small insects gleaned from foliage or captured in short, agile sallies.
Pin-tailed Manakins are diurnal birds with a complex social structure centered around male lekking behavior. Males gather at communal display sites, or leks, where they perform elaborate courtship dances to attract females. These displays involve rapid wing-whirring, specific postural changes, an...
The Pin-tailed Manakin is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, where it is a resident species, showing no migratory movements. Its distribution spans from southern Bahia, south through Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, extending into Paraná, Sant...
Least Concern
- The male's striking central tail feathers are not just for visual display but also play a role in their mechanical sound production during courtship. - The distinctive 'popping' sounds made by the male during his display are created by specialized modifications on his secondary wing feathers, r...