Pipridae

Pipridae is a family of small passerine birds known as the manakins. They are distributed across tropical Central and South America, ranging from southern Texas through the Andes and Amazon basin to northern Argentina, and on several Caribbean islands. They typically inhabit tropical forests and forest edges, often in humid lowlands and foothill regions, though some species occur at higher elevations.

Manakins are diminutive birds, usually 8–12 cm long. Males are typically brightly colored with combinations of black, green, yellow, or red plumage, while females are generally olive or brown and more cryptic. Juveniles resemble females. They are active, agile fliers that prefer the forest mid-story and canopy.

Behaviorally, manakins are noted for elaborate courtship displays. In many species, males form leks where they perform for attending females, sometimes engaging in cooperative displays and rapid wing-based sounds produced by specialized feather structures. Vocalizations are usually high-pitched calls and simple monopolized songs, though communication systems vary among species.

Diet consists mainly of fruit, supplemented by insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. This omnivorous foraging reflects their role in seed dispersal for several tropical plants.

Taxonomically, Pipridae is the family that contains the manakins, within the order Passeriformes and the suborder Tyranni (suboscines). Genera include Pipra and Lepidothrix, among others. As with many tropical passerines, classifications are subject to revision based on molecular data.

Conservation status varies by species, with habitat loss and fragmentation posing threats to many tropical forest manakins. Some species are listed as Near Threatened or Threatened, while others remain of lower concern.