Long-tailed Manakin
Animals of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve
Sustainable Development and Wild Nature Conservation in NICARAGUA
Gaia
The "Saltarín Toledo" (Chiroxiphia linearis), as the Nicaraguans call it, is abundant in
well-forested canyons in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, Nicaragua. Although the adult male is spectacularly colored, sighting one is not
easy, because they are small and retiring, and they stay in the shade of forests, reluctant to enter direct sunlight. They are much
easier heard than seen. Manakins are among the more common of birds in this forest, as is evidence from our mist-netting monitoring of
bird populations in the area. Nonetheless, the careful eye of an experienced birdwatcher can usually find a manakin, following cues
from their frequent vocalizations.
This immature male Long-tailed Manakin is beginning to show the colors that will make him spectacular
by the time he is a fully sexually mature four-year old bird. It is easy to see why this is the favorite bird species of many birdwatchers. Photo Joe Taylor.
Plain green coloration in the female Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis) can make
sighting very difficult at midlevel in broadleaf forests, where this bird remains. The legs, however, appear bright next in contrast to
the other dull colors in this bird, and are diagnostic for the species in the area. Photo Joe Taylor.
Bright crimson red and baby blue patches contrast dramatically with jet black elsewhere on the
adult male Long-tailed Manakin. This individual is one of the many captured in our bird monitoring program in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve.
Photo Lucas Betthauser.
Long-tailed manakin males perform an elaborate dance and song in tandem to attract females. The senior male gets the girl, and
the junior male learns the ritual over years. Photo Jesse Bickley and Anna James.
Chiroxiphia linearis is our only manakin species in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Manakins consume fruits and tend
to stay in the lower levels of closed forest.
Although the Long-tailed Manakin is reclusive and tends to stay in shaded ravines, it is locally quite common in Laguna de Apoyo Nature
Reserve. It is readily caught by mist nets during studies. Photo Lukas Betthauser.
Birds, squirrels, and monkeys are among the wildlife commonly seen in a nature-watching excursion in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve.
Would you like to share your photographs of the Long-tailed Manakin or other birds in Laguna de Apoyo Nature
Reserve? Please contact us to arrange a birdwatching excursion or to share
your photos of your own experiences.
You can help us keep nature wild in Nicaragua, by volunteering your time with us or making a small donation to support
our projects in wild nature conservation.
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The Lesser Ground-Cuckoo inhabits brushy areas of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, but is heard more often than seen. It is known
locally as the "pájaro reloj" or clock-bird. Photo Joe Taylor.
Hummingbirds abound in the forests of Laguna de
Apoyo Nature Reserve, Nicaragua. Photo Joe Taylor.
The Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve harbors a poorly documented population of Olive Sparrows, which the Gaia staff at Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo
are studying. Photo Joe Taylor.
More often heard than seen by birdwatchers, nonetheless, the most common bird species captured in our mist netting
studies in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is the Long-tailed Manakin. Photo Joe Taylor.
Bird populations are monitored in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve by the staff and volunteers of Estación Biológica
Laguna de Apoyo. Photo Joe Taylor.
The Rufous-naped Wren is among the more common birds in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. They are easily seen when birding near Estación Biológica.
Photo Joe Taylor.
Two motmot species-the Turquoise-browed Motmot and the Blue-crowned Motmot-are found in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo
Joe Taylor.
Pacific Screech-Owl is common and is heard every evening in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, and can often be seen while roosting during the day.
Photo Ineke van Beek.
Scientists at Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo conduct surveys of wildlife, including resident and migratory birds. Photo Wendy van Kooten.
Low in the forest near Estación Biológica, the Chestnut-capped Warbler (Basileuterus delattrii) can always be found. This is the only resident warbler
found in the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo Romaine de Jaegere.
Animal rescue at Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo. Here, Gaia Director Jeffrey McCrary is accompanied by
a rapidly healing variegated squirrel that was severely injured by illegal poachers. Photo Anne Sutton.
The Grey-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata) is an uncommon treat for birders in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve.
Photo Joe Taylor.
Amphilophus chancho, one of the fish species endemic to
Laguna de Apoyo, discovered by scientists working in a GAIA project. This species is easily
seen while SCUBA diving in Laguna de Apoyo. Photo Ad Konings.
This baby squirrel was raised by the staff after she fell from a tree as an infant. Today she has her own family in the trees above Estación Biológica.
Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
Field research is conducted on several animal and plant groups at Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo. Photo
Jeffrey McCrary.
Spanish classes for volunteers, interns and other visitos are vital components of our educational program in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo
Jeffrey McCrary.
Bird populations are monitored in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve by the staff and volunteers of Estación Biológica
Laguna de Apoyo. Photo Joe Taylor.
The forest inside the crater in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve contains dozens of terrestrial species, making the area an
appropriate site for wildlife studies. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
Field identification of the reptiles of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo Kolby Kirk.
Scientists at Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo study endangered fish species in the lake. Certified SCUBA divers can accompany us on research dives
where endemic fish species can be readily seen.
Photo Topi Lehtonen.
Scientists at Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo conduct surveys of wildlife, including resident and migratory birds. Photo Wendy van Kooten.
Animal rescue at Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo. Here, Gaia Director Jeffrey McCrary is accompanied by
a rapidly healing variegated squirrel that was severely injured by illegal poachers. Photo Anne Sutton.
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