Corapipo altera
The White-ruffed Manakin (Corapipo altera) is a captivating neotropical passerine, renowned for the male's striking plumage and elaborate courtship displays. Males are distinguished by their glossy, velvety black body, contrasting sharply with a brilliant, elongated white throat and nape feathers that form a prominent ruff, giving the species its common name. They are small, stout birds, typically measuring 9.5-10.5 cm (3.7-4.1 in) in length and weighing around 10-14 grams. Females, in stark ...
This species primarily inhabits the understory and mid-story of humid evergreen forests, secondary growth, and dense tall woodlands. It is typically found at elevations ranging from near sea level up to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet), occasionally higher.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of small fruits and berries, especially those from the Melastomataceae and Rubiaceae families. They also supplement their diet with small insects caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
White-ruffed Manakins are diurnal birds, spending their days foraging and, for males, engaging in elaborate lek displays. Males gather at traditional lek sites, often on steep slopes, where each individual clears a small display court on a fallen log or branch. Their courtship involves a series o...
The White-ruffed Manakin is a resident species, with no migratory movements, found primarily in Central America and northwestern South America. Its breeding range extends from eastern Honduras, through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and into western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Within t...
Least Concern
- The White-ruffed Manakin is a lekking species, meaning males gather in communal display grounds to attract females. - Males perform an intricate 'dance' on specific, cleared perches, involving rapid jumps, twirls, and mid-air hovering. - During their display, males produce loud, mechanical 'sna...