Scarlet-horned Manakin Ceratopipra cornuta Scientific name definitions

Scarlet-horned Manakin occurs syntopically with another member of the Golden-headed Manakin (Pipra erythrocephala) superspecies group, namely P. erythrocephala itself, but the present species is the only red-headed and black-bodied manakin north of the Amazon and east of the Andes. It was formerly placed in its own genus, Ceratopipo, and the Scarlet-horned Manakin occupies the smallest range of any of its superspecies being practically confined to the pantepui region, where it is found in southern Venezuela, as well as immediately parts of western Guyana and northernmost Brazil. Although its displays and vocalizations have been described, there are very few other published natural history data available for this species.

12·5 cm; 4 adult males average 23·5 g. The largest Pipra species, with longer tail than congeners. Male has entire head , including chin and throat, red, feathers of hindcrown elongated to form two slightly upward-curving “horns”; thighs red, rest of plumage black ; secondaries enlarged, curved and stiffened, with thick shafts; iris white; bill pale flesh; legs fleshy-coloured or brownish. Female is dull olive-green, paler below, especially on belly, slightly elongated hindcrown feathers giving tufted appearance, iris darker than male’s, bill browner. Immature resembles female, eyes dark.

Mountains of S Venezuela and adjacent W Guyana (E to Merume and Potaro Plateau) and extreme N Brazil (upper R Branco).

Little information; fruits of Melastomataceae recorded as eaten. Fruits taken in sallying and hovering flights.

A nest photographed in Jul 2016 was a small open cup suspended in horizontal fork, containing two nestlings fed by female . Male has complex lek display with others, posture and movements stereotyped and diverse, consisting of several elements , including rapid flights with “about-face” on landing, backward “slides” on perch, tail-flicking; red thigh feathers exhibited conspicuously when legs fully stretched.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Restricted-range species: present in Tepuis EBA. Locally fairly common to common. Much suitable habitat remains within its range, and in many areas forest is still effectively inaccessible to major human intrusions. Present in Canaíma National Park (Venezuela).