Male manakins perform a “jump-snap” display. It starts with a leap between little saplings. Then, midjump, the bird flips its wings upward in a noisy wing snap. On touching down, it quickly swivels its body into a beard-up statuary position to show off its bright yellow beard, or throat feathers. It’s a supremely difficult move, requiring exquisite neuromuscular coordination and great stamina. Think of a gymnast nailing a perfect landing.
