Species profile
About this species
The White-bearded Manakin is a small, stocky bird found in tropical & subtropical forests of South America & Trinidad. The male is striking with its black & white plumage & a prominent fluffy white beard, while the female is olive-green. Males are renowned for their elaborate courtship displays at traditional leks, producing loud snapping sounds with their wings.
Lowland tropical & subtropical forest understorey, forest edges & secondary growth, particularly in humid areas of South America & Trinidad
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph White-bearded Manakin with us in Trinidad & Tobago.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning is the prime time to photograph displaying males at lek sites, as activity peaks shortly after dawn. The April timing of the Trinidad trip coincides well with active lek behaviour, making it an ideal period for photography.
Visit lek sites in Trinidad during the April trip as males will be actively displaying, giving excellent behavioural photography opportunities. Set up quietly at a distance from the lek & use a telephoto lens of at least 300mm to avoid disturbing the birds. Use a fast shutter speed of 1/1000s or higher to freeze the rapid wing-snapping display movements.
Available holidays
Trips featuring White-bearded Manakin
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.