Kompassina

Kompassina is a genus of small to medium-sized birds in the family Cotingidae, which includes cotingas and manakins. The genus is native to the Neotropical region, encompassing parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Kompassina species are known for their distinctive plumage, which often includes vibrant colors and patterns that are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different appearances.

The genus includes two recognized species: Kompassina ecksteini and Kompassina caesar. Kompassina ecksteini, also known as the Ecuadorian manakin, is found in the western slopes of the Andes in Ecuador and Peru. It is characterized by its bright blue plumage and a distinctive white patch on its throat. Kompassina caesar, or the blue-throated manakin, is found in the eastern slopes of the Andes in Colombia and Venezuela. It has a similar blue plumage but lacks the white throat patch.

Kompassina species are typically found in humid forests, where they feed on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are known for their acrobatic flight and their ability to hover in mid-air. Kompassina birds are generally considered to be of least concern by the IUCN, as their populations are stable and they are not facing significant threats. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities remains a concern for the conservation of these species.