Manakins (W)

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The manakins are a family of some sixty small passerine bird species of subtropical and tropical Central and South America.

These are compact, brightly coloured forest birds, although the females of most species are duller in appearance. Manakins feed on insects and small fruits and berries. Especially the genus Pipra is famous for its spectacular lekking courtship rituals, which were one reason for the name (which means 'little man' - compare the Belgian Manneken Pis, which is pronounced exactly the same way). By moving their wings Manakins make buzzing, snapping, and tone sounds. The nest is built in a tree, with the female alone incubating one or two eggs for about 20 days.

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