White-collared Manakin
The White-collared Manakin is a small, sexually dimorphic bird found in humid lowland and foothill forests from southern Mexico to Panama, with males featuring striking black plumage, bright yellow belly, white collar, and orange legs, famous for their explosive courtship displays involving rapid jumps between branches accompanied by distinctive snapping sounds produced by modified wing…
Manacus candei
Scientific Name
Pipridae (Manakins)
Family
Passeriformes
Order
Range and Habitat of White-collared Manakin
Geographic Range
Southeastern Mexico south through Central America to Costa Rica and extreme western Panama
Migratory Patterns
Year-round resident in Costa Rica with no regular migratory movements
Preferred Habitat
Thickets at edges of moist forest; tall secondary growth; old cacao plantations; humid forest understory and midstory; areas with Heliconia plants; clearings with small saplings for display courts
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m (2,300 ft) in Costa Rica; may occasionally reach up to 900 m (2,950 ft)
Costa Rica Habitat
Caribbean slope lowlands and foothills up to 700 m elevation throughout the country. Replaced on Pacific slopes by closely related Orange-collared Manakin (M. aurantiacus). Present in provinces of Limón, Heredia, Alajuela, and northern areas with appropriate habitat.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Global population estimated at 50,000-499,999 mature individuals; population experiencing moderate decline but still considered stable; fairly common within appropriate habitat
Habitat loss from deforestation; conversion of forest to agriculture; loss of forest edge habitat and secondary growth areas important for breeding displays
Conservation efforts
Costa Rica's national park system protects key habitat areas; species benefits from protection in Braulio Carrillo National Park, Sarapiquí region reserves, and other Caribbean slope protected areas; sustainable tourism helps generate revenue for habitat protection
Primary Threats
Habitat loss from deforestation; conversion of forest to agriculture; loss of forest edge habitat and secondary growth areas important for breeding displays
White-collared Manakin Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
Length: 11 cm (4.3 in); Weight: 18.5 g (0.65 oz)
Plumage
- Adult Males: Black crown, wings, tail, and band across mid-back; brilliant white head, neck, breast, and upper back; olive-green rump; bright yellow belly; distinctive orange legs; heavily modified wing feathers for sound production
- Adult Females: Olive-green upperparts; yellow belly; orange legs; much more cryptic coloration for camouflage during nesting
- Juveniles: Similar to females with olive-green plumage; males gradually acquire adult plumage over multiple years
Distinctive Features
Compact, short-tailed build; heavy hooked bill; orange legs on both sexes; males have white “collar” appearance; modified wing feathers create loud snapping sounds
Sexual Dimorphism
Extreme sexual dimorphism - males have striking black and white plumage with bright yellow belly, while females are entirely olive-green with yellow underparts
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Primarily fructivorous - small fruits and seeds from various plant species; occasionally insects during breeding season for protein supplementation
Foraging Techniques
- Feeds low in trees on fruit and insects, both plucked from foliage in flight; sallies from perches to capture food items; participates in mixed-species feeding flocks
Feeding Times
- Diurnal activity throughout the day with peak feeding in early morning and late afternoon
Behavior Patterns
White-collared Manakin
Social Structure
Outside breeding season found singly or in pairs; males aggregate at leks during breeding season; occasionally joins mixed-species feeding flocks
Song and Vocalization
Male call is a rolled “preew”; various non-vocal sounds produced by modified wings including loud snaps like breaking twigs, rustling, whiffling noises, and buzzing sounds; females are generally quieter
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Spectacular lek displays where males clear forest floor patches up to 120 cm across to bare earth; males leap between thin upright sticks giving loud wing snaps; throat feathers erected to form “beard”; coordinated jumping displays when females present; males cross above bare display court
Territoriality
Males highly territorial at lek sites; each male maintains and defends specific display court with particular arrangement of saplings used for jumping displays
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting White-collared Manakin
- Selva Verde Lodge, Sarapiquí - reliable location with resident leks
- La Selva Biological Station - excellent for research and extended observation
- Tirimbina Rainforest Center - accessible location with good habitat
- Rancho Naturalista - known lek locations with guided access
- Braulio Carrillo National Park - various locations along Caribbean slope
- Veragua Rainforest Reserve - accessible via day trips
Best Time of the Year
Year-round resident, but best observed during dry season (December-April) when males are most active at leks and forest visibility is improved; early morning hours (6-9 AM) optimal for activity
Common Behavior
Listen for loud wing snapping sounds during breeding season; look for cleared areas on forest floor with thin vertical sticks (lek sites); males often perch conspicuously near display courts; follow mixed feeding flocks; check fruiting trees and Heliconia thickets
Recommended Gear
- Binoculars: 8×42 recommended for forest viewing
- Camera: 300-400mm lens for behavioral photography
- Audio recorder: For documenting wing-snap displays
- Birding apps: eBird for location data, Merlin for identification
- Early morning timing essential for peak activity
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
Coincides with dry season in Costa Rica (approximately December through April), though specific timing may vary by location
Nesting Sites
Shallow cup nest built 1-3 m high in horizontal tree fork; constructed entirely by female using various plant materials
Clutch Size
Two eggs, typically brown-speckled white
Incubation Period
18-21 days, performed exclusively by female
Parental Care
Female builds nest, incubates eggs, and feeds nestlings entirely alone; no pair bonds formed; males provide no parental care; young fledge after 13-15 days; males focus entirely on maintaining display courts and attracting multiple mates
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
Males produce loud “firecracker” wing snaps that can be heard from considerable distance; the wing modifications that create these sounds are shared only with Orange-collared and Golden-collared Manakins; young males practice displays on unused logs, sometimes in groups
Surprising Traits
Despite being a small forest bird, males can clear areas of forest floor up to 120 cm across for their display courts; wing muscles are hypertrophic (enlarged) to support the extreme physical demands of courtship jumping; females may visit multiple male courts before selecting a mate; displays can continue for hours during peak breeding season
How do I identify this bird?
Males are unmistakable with their black crown and wings, bright white collar and breast, and yellow belly, along with orange legs. Females are olive-green with yellow bellies and orange legs. Listen for the distinctive loud wing-snapping sounds that males produce.