Helmeted manakin

The helmeted manakin (Chiroxiphia galeata) is a species of small passerine bird in the manakin family Pipridae. Unlike most manakins, a family associated with tropical rainforests, the helmeted manakin inhabits the seasonally dry Cerrado savanna of Central Brazil.

The helmeted manakin has sexually dimorphic plumage. Both males and females are adorned with a feathered crest at the crown of the head. Females and immature males sport a uniform dull-green plumage similar to other female Pipridae. Males are a glossy black with a striking red crest that stretches across the mantle, nape and crown. Subadult males have green plumage with the characteristic black and red colors of the adult male sprouting up in patches.

The helmeted manakin has a sonorous song that has been likened to that of a cotinga. The male song is a whistle composed of eight notes. The song is loud enough to be perceived by the human ear up to 100m away in the forest. Males sing year-round, but song-intensity is highest from July to November.