A new intergeneric hybrid manakin is characterized using morphological characters and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. Many morphological traits suggest the bird is intermediate between Ilicura militaris and Chiroxiphia caudata. Sequences of the maternally inherited mitochondrial ND2 gene demonstrate the female parent to be Chiroxiphia caudata, and the nuclear beta-fibrinogen intron 5 sequences can not eliminate Chiroxiphia and Ilicura as parents. Therefore, DNA sequence data lead to the conclusion that Ilicura is the male parent of this unusual bird. This study is important because it highlights the significance of using multiple character systems in diagnosing unusual bird specimens.