Welcome back, nature enthusiasts, to another feathered friend gracing our mountain retreat in Costa Rica! Today, we turn our binoculars to a tiny dancer of the understory, the White-ruffed Manakin (Corapipo altera).
This little wonder of the avian world resides in the tropical havens of Central America, with its range stretching from eastern Honduras to northwestern Colombia. Here in Costa Rica, you have a high chance of encountering this compact critter in the lush rainforests blanketing our mountains. So, keep your eyes peeled (and ears perked) for a dazzling display of color and captivating behavior.
A Jewel in the Rainforest
Imagine a bird the size of a lime, boasting a plumage that would make a fashion designer envious. The male White-ruffed Manakin is a sight to behold. His entire body is cloaked in a sleek, glossy blue-black, as if dipped in midnight ink. But the true showstopper is the striking white patch adorning his throat, resembling a luxurious cravat. This stark contrast makes him an unmistakable resident of the forest floor.
The female White-ruffed Manakin, however, prefers a more subdued outfit. She’s draped in a beautiful olive-green cloak, offering perfect camouflage amidst the verdant foliage. Interestingly, this difference in plumage is a common theme among manakins, where the males take center stage with their flamboyant displays.
A Life Among the Leaves
These little dynamos are at home in the understory and mid-story layers of the rainforest. They flit from branch to branch, their short tails barely breaking the dense foliage. Their plump bodies and short wings make them adept at maneuvering through the tangled undergrowth.
While exploring the trails around our retreat, keep an eye out for them perched on low branches or flitting about in the vicinity of fruiting trees. They are particularly fond of berries and small insects, which they glean from the leaves and branches.
The Art of Attraction
The White-ruffed Manakin is a solitary bird, except during breeding season. This is when the males truly come alive. To attract a mate, they engage in an elaborate courtship display. They puff out their white throat patch, bob their heads, and perform a series of rapid wing-snaps that produce a clicking sound. This mesmerizing performance is a sight (and sound) to behold!
A Well-deserved Rest
After a day of flitting, feeding, and flirting, the White-ruffed Manakin seeks refuge in the dense foliage. They often roost in communal groups at night, tucked away in the safety of the leaves.
Encountering a Tiny Dancer
The White-ruffed Manakin might be small, but it injects a vibrant dose of color and movement into the Costa Rican rainforest. As you explore the trails around our mountain retreat, keep your eyes peeled for this dazzling little bird. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, you might just catch a glimpse of this feathered gem flitting amongst the leaves.
Pro Tip: Their clicking sounds can often be heard before they are seen. So, if you hear a rapid series of clicks coming from the understory, pause for a moment and see if you can spot this tiny dancer amidst the foliage.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
