| Orange-crested manakin | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Pipridae |
| Genus: | Heterocercus |
| Species: | H. aurantiivertex |
| Binomial name | |
| Heterocercus aurantiivertex Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1880 | |
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The orange-crested manakin, or orange-crowned manakin [2] , (Heterocercus aurantiivertex) is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. [3] It is found in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and possibly Colombia. [4]
The orange-crested manakin is monotypic. It shares genus Heterocercus with the flame-crested manakin (H. linteatus) and the yellow-crested manakin (H. flavivertex). [3] The three form a superspecies. [5]
The orange-crested manakin is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long and weighs 21 to 22 g (0.74 to 0.78 oz). The species is sexually dimorphic. Adult males have a mostly grayish olive head with an often hidden orange stripe on the crown and a grayish white throat. The throat feathers are long and silky. Their upperparts and flanks are dull olive. Their underparts are dull cinnamon-buff. Adult females have no orange on their crown. They are otherwise similar to males but their plumage is overall duller with paler underparts. Both sexes have a dark brown iris, a long narrow dark bill, and dark legs and feet. Immatures of both sexes resemble adult females. [6]
The orange-crested manakin primarily is found in eastern Ecuador between Sucumbíos and Pastaza provinces and southeast well into northern Peru's Loreto Department. [6] In Peru it is found mostly north of the Amazon River but has a few localities south of it. [7] It also occurs very locally along the Amazon in Brazil all the way to the Atlantic. [8] In addition, the South American Classification Committee has at least one unconfirmed record in Colombia. [5]
The orange-crested manakin inhabits humid várzea forest and woodlands, mostly along blackwater rivers. In elevation it reaches up to about 300 m (1,000 ft). [6] [7]
The orange-crested manakin is believed to be a year-round resident. [6]
The orange-crested manakin feeds on small fruits, especially those of figs ( Ficus ), and insects. It takes them in aerial sallies from a perch. [6]
The orange-crested manakin's breeding season has not been defined but includes February in Peru. Males display in a "court", especially with an elaborate upward spiral flight with a flat circular pattern at its apex. The one known nest was a shallow cup made from plant fibers attached to a branch fork with spider web. It was about 4 m (13 ft) above a small stream and contained two eggs. The incubation period, time to fledging, and details of parental care are not known. [6]
The orange-crested manakin's song is "a rising-falling-rising, tinkling chatter: TEE'ee'ee'u'u'ee'ee'uu" and its call "a squeaky chatter". Its displays, both aerial and terrestrial, end with a mechanically produced "pop". [7]
The IUCN has assessed the flame-crested manakin as being of Least Concern. It has a large range; its population size is not known and is believed to be decreasing. No immediate threats have been identified. [1] It is considered "scarce and local" in Ecuador, "fairly common, but very local" in Peru, and rare in Brazil. [9] [7] [8]
