AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Manacus candei
White-collared Manakin
(Parzudaki, 1841)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
It is a small, compact passerine bird with a robust appearance due to its thick neck. The adult male exhibits a bold and unmistakable plumage pattern: a glossy jet-black crown, wings, and tail, which contrast dramatically with a broad snow-white collar covering the throat, sides of the neck, and upper back. Its belly and rump are tinted a vibrant lemon yellow. During the breeding season, the male can erect its throat feathers, giving it the appearance of having a large white 'beard'. The female, perfectly designed for camouflage, presents bright olive-green plumage on the upperparts and a paler olive-yellow on the belly. Both sexes share a distinctive and bright trait: striking deep orange to reddish legs, and a short, dark beak.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Passeriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pipridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Manacus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Parzudaki, 1841)
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
--
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It shows a strong preference for the Caribbean slope of Central America, inhabiting from southern Mexico to northeastern Costa Rica. It is a common resident of lowland rainforests, but unlike other manakins that prefer deep primary forest, this species particularly thrives in dense thickets, forest edges, secondary growth, abandoned cacao plantations, and humid scrub along rivers.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Males invest almost all their energy and waking hours maintaining the neatness of their ground display areas and engaging in group acoustic and visual competitions. Females, much more elusive, remain in the upper strata of the thicket and only descend to the males' areas to inspect the quality of the courtship.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
They exhibit an organized lek behavior. Several males (usually 3 to 5, though sometimes more) establish their display 'courts' very close to each other in a defined forest zone, creating a front of fierce competition where they sing and snap their wings in a coordinated manner when a female approaches.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Primarily frugivores of small berries, but they incorporate a large number of insects into their diet. They catch insects on the wing in the dark understory and also glean spiders from leaves. This protein is essential for the altricial chicks and for replenishing the male's energy after his demanding dances.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They are essential seed dispersers in early stages of forest succession, feeding on small fruits of pioneer shrubs (such as Conostegia and Miconia). Their low, cryptic nests, as well as males distracted by their dances, fall prey to various hunting snakes, understory raptors, and mammals like coatis (Nasua narica).Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The system is entirely polygynous. After the spectacular courtship in the cleared 'court' and copulation, the male completely dissociates. The female single-handedly builds a shallow cup nest using fine fibers and roots woven between the branches of a low shrub (1-2 meters above the ground). She typically lays 2 brown-speckled white eggs and incubates them for 18 to 19 days. She provides food (insects and regurgitated fruit) to the blind chicks, which leave the nest at 13-15 days.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 12.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 20 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
18 - 19
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males8 - 12 Years
Females8 - 12 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Highly contrasting plumage: dazzling snow-white throat and upper back, combined with a glossy black crown and wings, yellow belly, and an erectile beard. Exclusively designed to be the absolute visual focus in the gloom of the understory during the lek.
Females Multi-lang
Completely cryptic. Her plumage is predominantly light olive-green with a dull yellowish belly, lacking black or white markings. This monotony is her vital shield, allowing her to blend in with the leaves of tropical shrubs to protect her nest.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Firecracker Feathers: Males have evolutionarily modified their primary and secondary wing feathers, which possess unusually thick and curved shafts. By clapping their wings together over their backs at incredible speeds, they produce a loud snapping sound akin to a firecracker exploding, audible from a great distance.
Court Clearing: Unlike other manakins that dance on branches, the male of this species descends to the forest floor. He obsessively uses his beak to clear every dry leaf, twig, and blade of grass from a circular area (his 'court'), creating a clean dirt canvas where his vibrant colors and acrobatics will stand out unhindered.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Lowland Agricultural Conversion: The transformation of dense Caribbean thickets and forest edges into monocultures (such as pineapple and banana) and pastures eliminates the essential undergrowth they require for feeding and establishing their courtship zones.
Stealth Predation at Courts: By concentrating and vocalizing loudly very close to the ground level, males are particularly vulnerable to terrestrial predators such as snakes (fer-de-lance), small felines, and omnivorous mammals.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The Nickname 'Matraquero': In rural areas of Costa Rica, it was dubbed 'matraquero' because the sound of its wings during a nuptial flight resembles the mechanical clatter of a 'matraca' (a wooden ratchet instrument) or a volley of small firecrackers.
Jumping Through the Hoop: During the climax of his display, the male not only snaps his wings but performs frantic back-and-forth jumps between small saplings flanking his cleared 'court', as if passing through an invisible hoop, all while expanding his white beard.