AVITOPIA - Manakins

The family of Manakins is native to America from southern Mexico to Paraguay. The body length of the small birds ranges from 7 cm to 16 cm. They have short wings and a short tail, only some species have elongated tail feathers. The males are mostly black, but have brightly colored plumage parts. They live in forests. Their diet consists mainly of fruits and, to a lesser extent, of insects. The elaborate courtship of some species, on which they spend a lot of time, is quite spectacular. Some have modified flight fethers with which, among other things, they can generate buzzing noises. The normal size of a clutch is two eggs, the incubation and rearing of the young is done by the females alone; Manakins do not form a permanent partnership.