Black Manakin
Xenopipo atronitens
Small bird of dry scrub enclaves in rainforest regions. All-black male is distinctive; compared to other manakins, note longish tail and blue bill in both sexes. Locally common in low-stature forests and savanna scrub woodland, always in areas with extremely weathered, sandy soil. Eats fruit. Groups of males give vocal displays from dispersed perches, often well inside vegetation. Male resembles Amazonian Black-Tyrant, but has shorter bill and is unlikely to occur in the same habitat. Most common call is an unusual, squeaky chuckle; useful when searching for this bird in dense scrub.
Identification
The black manakin (Xenopipo atronitens) is a species of bird in the family Pipridae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Taxonomy
Genus: Xenopipo; Family: Pipridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Xenopipo atronitens
- Authority
- Cabanis, 1847
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pipridae
- Genus
- Xenopipo
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Banded Lapwing
Vanellus tricolor
Elegant lapwing with a white stripe through eye (like a sunglass strap), a red wattle in front of the eye, and a thick and complete black breast-band. Smaller and shorter-legged than Masked Lapwing. Not generally an urban bird, it is more common inland. In more coastal areas it tends to be limited to areas with very short grass (e.g., airports, turf farms).
Moheli Bulbul
Hypsipetes moheliensis
A medium-sized greenish-gray bird with a black cap and a carrot-colored bill, endemic to the middle and high elevations of the mountains of the island of Moheli in the Comoros. Found in humid forest scraps and in adjacent plantations and secondary areas. Often in small, noisy groups. Very similar in appearance to Madagascar Bulbul, and they overlap at moderate elevations, especially in degraded habitats. Moheli Bulbul is separated by the slightly larger size and larger bill, the olive tint to the plumage, especially on the back, and the yellowish tint to the underparts. The song is an unmusical series of rattling and scraping notes, often given from a high perch, similar to Madagascar Bulbul’s, but slightly lower-pitched. The calls include a long, whining note.
Crested Black-Tyrant
Knipolegus lophotes
Large flycatcher found in grasslands and savannas with scattered trees. Unmistakable by its uniform black plumage and long thin crest; sexes similar. In flight shows a white wing patch. Usually silent, but the song is sharp and nasal “djew-pew.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.