High up in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald embrace of the rainforest meets the crisp kiss of cloud forest, resides a tiny dancer with a flamboyant spirit – the Lance-tailed Manakin. This dazzling little bird is a resident of the lush secondary forests that thrive in the foothills around our mountain retreat, and a captivating sight for our guests fortunate enough to witness their displays.
A Tale of Two Plumages
The Lance-tailed Manakin is a study in sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females boast entirely different appearances. The males are the true stars of the show, attired in a striking tuxedo of glossy black plumage. A vibrant cerulean blue washes across their backs, a splash of color that gleams like a shard of the Costa Rican sky. But the true showstopper is their head. Atop their crown sits a flamboyant crest of fiery red feathers, adding a dash of drama to their already theatrical presence.
Females, on the other hand, are dressed in a more subdued olive-green cloak, their underparts a shade lighter. Both sexes, however, share a common feature – their short, stubby tails adorned with two long, spiky central feathers. These elongated feathers, a source of the bird’s name, are particularly prominent in males and add a touch of whimsy to their displays.
The Art of the Lek
Unlike many birds that form pair bonds, Lance-tailed Manakin males participate in a unique mating system called a lek. Here, males gather at specific locations within the forest, known as leks, to put on a spectacular show in hopes of attracting a mate.
Our guests venturing into the forest during the breeding season (typically February to June) might stumble upon a lek – a clearing abuzz with activity. Here, the males transform into feathered ballerinas, their black bodies a blur of motion as they flit from perch to perch. Their red crests stand on end, and their long tails flick back and forth in a mesmerizing display.
But the dance isn’t just about fancy footwork. The males also unleash an impressive vocal repertoire. Their calls, a mix of whistles, clicks, and pops, echo through the forest, a serenade designed to win the hearts (or rather, ears) of passing females.
A Show with a Purpose
The female Lance-tailed Manakin is the ultimate judge in this avian competition. She observes the males’ displays with a discerning eye, seemingly unimpressed by mere acrobatics. Researchers believe she is drawn to males who can produce the most complex and varied vocalizations, a sign of good genes and strong health.
Once a female selects a mate, the lek’s purpose is served. She takes charge of building the nest and raising the young entirely on her own. The male, his flamboyant display complete, fades back into the background, his role in reproduction complete.
A Glimpse into the Rainforest Ballet
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Lance-tailed Manakin during your stay at our mountain retreat, take a moment to appreciate the dazzling display before you. It’s a performance that unfolds amidst the emerald tapestry of the rainforest, a testament to the wonders of nature and the captivating dance of life.
Keep an eye out for our next blog post, where we’ll explore another feathered gem of the Costa Rican mountains!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
