The male Wire-tailed Manakin is a striking bird known for its bright and colorful plumage. It has a brilliant red head, a black body, and a distinctive yellow belly. One of its most notable features is the presence of elongated, wiry tail feathers, which give the bird its nаme. These feathers can be manipulated during courtship displays to attract females. Males are highly territorial and engage in elaborate displays and dances to win the favor of females.

The female Wire-tailed Manakin is less colorful than the male, exhibiting a more subdued olive-green plumage. This coloration helps her blend into the dense forest understory, providing camouflage from predators. Unlike males, females do not have the wiry tail feathers. Females are responsible for building the nest and raising the young, often in a solitary manner. They lay 2-3 eggs per clutch and incubate them alone.

Wire-tailed Manakins are typically found in tropical and subtropical lowland forests. They prefer dense, humid environments where they can find ample food sources, such as fruits and insects. These birds are known for their acrobatic displays during courtship, where males perform complex dances and vocalizations to attract females. Their territories are often established along forest edges or clearings, where they have space to perform their displays.

Wire-tailed Manakins play a vital role in their ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal through their fruit-based diet. Despite their small size, they are a key species in maintaining the health and diversity of their forest habitats.