Araripe Manakin

The Araripe Manakin (Antilophia bokermanni) is a critically endangered bird from the family of Manakins (Pipridae). It was discovered in 1996 and scientifically described in 1998. The species epithet commemorates Brazilian zoologist and wildlife filmmaker Werner Bokermann, who died in 1995. Because of its helmet-like crown it has received the Portuguese name soldadinho-do-araripe which means “Little soldier of Araripe“. This name also associates it with the related, but more widespread, Helmeted Manakin (Antilophia galeata), which is known simply as the soldadinho.  The discovery of this striking red, white, and black black in 1996 stunned bird enthusiasts all over the world.

Location of the Araripe Manakin’s habitat

The bird’s habitat, the Chapada do Araripe occupies a tiny area fifty kilometres long and one kilometre wide.  If you want to try to see them, you must fly into Brazil to either Recife or Fortaleza.  With only an assumed 800 individuals left, it won’t be easy to find them.  According to Wikipedia, the pure breeding range has a size of only 1 km² and lays in a theme park with swimming pools and asphalted roads which destroyed most of this bird’s habitat.

In 2009, a Brazilian fashion designer, Maria Elvira Crosara was inspired by this gorgeous bird to create her spring collection.

A percentage of sales of selected T-shirts featuring the manakin, and the Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota, will go to support the work of BirdLife Partner SAVE Brasil.

“This is our first cause-related marketing campaign and we are very excited about it”, said Priscila Napoli, SAVE Brasil’s Manager of Institutional Development.  “As well as raising money, each garment will come with a tag describing the species, and another tag with information about SAVE Brasil, so this will raise awareness both about our work, and about the importance of Brazilian birds.”

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I found a couple of video clips.  In this one, you can hear the bird’s song.

This one looks like it would be really interesting if only it was translated into English!  It is only available in Portuguese.  At least you can see more footage of the bird, and the song by the kids at the end is pretty cool!