THE MANAKIN

In this corner of the Colombian jungle, a club-winged manakin has raised his wings and begun to sing. It is the only species on earth that uses its feathers to produce music, with a delicate tinkle similar to the violin. He seems to have mastered the technique: 120 taps per seconds, 125… 133. Wait! A competitor has emerged: another male with an unfriendly face peeks out from behind a log. But he manages to make only a few simple hums. False alarm. He resumes the recital: 135, 139… A female is coming! He has attracted a female with his melody! Taking a deep bow –followed by a backward tilt and a few nervous wing flaps– they both take off.