Manakins - Cotingas

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to a remarkable variety of bird species, including the vibrant Manakins (Pipridae) and Cotingas (Cotingidae), both of which are important components of the park’s tropical ecosystems. Manakins, known for their striking plumage and elaborate courtship displays, inhabit the park’s forest understory. These small, colorful birds are frugivores and contribute to seed dispersal, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of the park’s plant communities. Cotingas, with their bold and often iridescent colors, are found in the park’s more secluded, mature forests. These large, fruit-eating birds help regulate the composition of the forest by consuming and dispersing the seeds of various plant species. Together, Manakins and Cotingas contribute to the park's rich biodiversity and ecological balance, offering both aesthetic and scientific value in the study of tropical avian life.