Display Behavior and Natural History of the Yellow-Crowned Manakin (Heterocercus flavivertex: Pipridae)

Abstract

The behavior and natural history of the Yellow-crowned Manakin (Heterocercus flavivertex, Pipridae) were observed on the Rio Ventuari in northern Territorio Federal Amazonas, Venezuela. Male flavivertex have a solitary lek breeding system, a display repertoire including five distinct vocalizations, several display elements, and a probable mechanical display sound. The tail-shiver display, in which the cocked tail is prominently featured, has not been observed in other Heterocercus species, but this display element may be an explanation for the evolution of the unique tail shape in the genus. Other flavivertex display elements, such as the above-the-canopy display flight, are behavioral homologs shared with other Heterocercus species. Female H. flavivertex construct hanging cup nests that are similar in architecture, composition, and placement to other manakin species. The diet of H. flavivertex is apparently composed of a greater quantity of insects than other manakin species. The evolution of display, morphology, diet, and social behavior in Heterocercus is discussed.