Head to head
Blue-crowned Manakin vs Red-capped Manakin
Blue-crowned Manakin
VS Red-capped Manakin
Both are small, mostly black manakins that display at traditional leks, but their markings and signature moves differ.
| Blue-crowned Manakin | Red-capped Manakin | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lepidothrix coronata | Ceratopipra mentalis |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Distinguishing feature | Vivid blue crown patch | Bright red head, yellow thighs |
| Signature courtship move | Lek display | Moonwalk-like backward slide |
| Range | Amazon basin | Central America into northern South America |
| Habitat | Rainforest understory | Rainforest understory |
| Body colour | Glossy black with blue crown | Glossy black with red head |
| Diet | Small fruit and insects | Small fruit and insects |
Blue-crowned Manakin vs Red-capped Manakin: common questions
Which manakin is known for the moonwalk dance move?
The red-capped manakin is, performing a rapid backward sliding shuffle along a branch that closely resembles the human moonwalk, a specific move not documented in the blue-crowned manakin's display.
How can you tell these two manakins apart?
The blue-crowned manakin shows a vivid blue crown patch, while the red-capped manakin displays a bright red head along with yellow thighs.
Do both manakins display at leks?
Yes, both are lekking species, with males gathering at traditional shared display sites to perform for visiting females.