Velvety Manakin vs Red-capped Manakin

In short

The Velvety Manakin and Red-capped Manakin can be distinguished by their distinct head colors: the Velvety Manakin has a bright blue crown on a lustrous black body, while the Red-capped Manakin features a vivid red cap. Female Velvety Manakins are notably 'blue-green', contrasting with the more uniformly green females of other species.

Identification tips

• Look for the bright blue crown on males to identify Velvety Manakins.
• Identify Red-capped Manakins by their vivid red cap.
• Note the 'blue-green' coloration in female Velvety Manakins, which can help distinguish them from other manakin species.

Plumage

Male Velvety Manakins have a lustrous black body with a bright blue crown, while male Red-capped Manakins have a vivid red cap and a contrasting black body. Female Velvety Manakins are 'blue-green', whereas Red-capped Manakin females are not described in this context.

Habitat

Velvety Manakins inhabit primary and taller secondary forests, primarily in lowlands and hills below 1,000 m, occasionally up to 1,400 m in western Costa Rica. Red-capped Manakins' habitat is not detailed here.