Post by Forestbase

Meet the golden-headed manakin: the bird with the red thighs and Michael Jackson moves. Most of the time, you’ll find this bird perched quietly in the midstory of the rainforest, snacking on small fruits. But when females are around, everything changes. Males gather at leks ( a communal area in which two or more males of a species perform courtship displays) - usually a standout branch. Rapid flights, backward slides, and flashy flourishes reveal their hidden red-and-white thighs and their inner Michael Jackson. Hard not to be impressed. Some males hold the same display territory for over 12 years. Social status matters here: older males dominate and win most mating's, while younger ones slowly work their way up the ranks. Females take their time too, visiting several leks and often switching partners between seasons - a smart strategy that helps avoid inbreeding. #Conservation is more than just protecting endangered species - it’s about safeguarding the entire umbrella underneath these endangered species. That includes this remarkable little fellow, which we detected using our science-based bioacoustics methodology. #NBS #Colombia #Biodiversity #BirdLifeInternational 📷 credit - Alvaro Cubero Wildlife

Video Content