Manakins are a family of compact little perching birds with big heads, short tails and stout bills. Most adult males boast a striking black plumage contrasted by flashes of vivid colour; decorative tails or crown feathers are also present in some species. In contrast, females and young are a much more drab green.

The males spend a lot of time gathered on display grounds showing off to the females, with some of the most spectacular courtship displays known. Most of the 60 species of manakin live in the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico down to southern Brazil. Rather than perching, their feeding technique involves plucking small fruit whilst still in flight, similar in fashion to other birds taking insects.

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