Ant thrushes

(Formicariidae)

Class Aves

Order Passeriformes

Suborder Tyranni (Suboscines)

Family Formicariidae

Thumbnail description
Small to medium-sized songbirds with short, rounded wings, a short or long tail, and a stout or slender bill slightly hooked at the tip, feed on insects on the ground or in trees or thickets; prey is usually gleaned from foliage, although some species also catch flying insects. Some species participate in mixed-species foraging flocks that follow columns of army ants to catch insects and other small animals

Size
4–14 inches (10–36 cm)

Number of genera, species
52 genera; 244 species

Habitat
Shrublands and forests in subtropics and tropics

Conservation status
Critically Endangered: 4 species; Endangered: 16 species; Vulnerable: 16 species; Near Threatened: 18 species; Data Deficient: 1 species

Distribution
Southern Mexico to northern Argentina, with most species in the Amazonian region of tropical South America

Evolution and systematics

As treated here, the Formicariidae includes two closely related groups of perching birds (Passeriformes), which are sometimes considered as separate families. These are the ground antbirds and the typical antbirds (separated by some taxonomists into the family Thamnophilidae). These are large and highly varied groups of birds, consisting of about 56 species of ground antbirds and 188 species of typical antbirds. Their greatest species radiation and diversity occur in the Amazonian basin of tropical South America, where some locations may have as many as 30–40 species of Formicariidae present. Many species have only recently been described, and little is known of the life history, behavior, or ecology of any but the most abundant species in the family.

Physical characteristics

The family Formicariidae contains about 244 species of birds variously known as ant thrushes, antbirds, antcatchers, antpittas, antshrikes, or antwrens. They are among the most widespread and abundant birds of tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. Because there are so many species, the typical characteristics of the group are not readily described. Moreover, the more widespread species may exhibit considerably geographic variation in plumage patterns and coloration, and sometimes in foraging ecology, song, and other qualities as well.

The wings are generally short and rounded. Some species have a short tail, which they typically hold erect, while in others it is longer than the body. The bill of the larger species is relatively stout and has a hooked tip. The bill may also have a single serration on the side, known as a tooth, similar to that of shrikes (Laniidae). Smaller species in the antbird family have a finer, smooth bill and lack the tooth. The legs of species that live on or close to the ground are muscular and long, particularly in the antpittas, although the toes are relatively short. The plumage is typically full and soft, especially on the back and sides of the body of the antshrikes. The sexes of the Thamnophilidae group are usually strongly dimorphic in the coloration of their plumage, while those of the Formicariidae are mostly similar, or monomorphic. In sexually dimorphic species, the coloration is generally dark in

males, and often black, gray, with some white, while females are generally brown and more strikingly patterned with bright or paler spots on the body, wings, and tail. Females of some widespread species show considerably more geographic variation in their coloration than do the males, an unusual pattern referred to as heterogynism.

Distribution

Distribution of species in the family Formicariidae ranges from warm, humid regions of southern Mexico to Paraguay and northern Argentina in South America. The largest number of species is found in the Amazon basin and other regions of tropical rainforest.

Habitat

Formicariids occur in a variety of shrubby and forested habitats in subtropical and tropical regions. Species occur in a wide range of lowland forests and woodlands, including secondary forest, and range as high as montane cloud-forest.

Behavior

Species of ant thrushes and antbirds tend to forage on the ground or into the medium levels of the forest canopy. In general, those in the Thamnophilidae group are mainly terrestrial in their foraging preference, while those in the Formicariidae group are mostly arboreal. Only a few species, however, forage in the uppermost tree-crown part of the canopy or inhabit open shrubby areas exposed to the sun. Occasionally, they may be seen bathing in shallows of quiet forest streams or in rain puddles. None of the ant thrushes or antbirds flies far; rather, they make short-distance flights within a territory or local foraging habitat. When they sense an invasion of their territory by a competitor, males tend to fly directly through the undergrowth towards the source of a specific song; some species respond strongly to playbacks of their own songs, making it easier to see them in dense vegetation.

When foraging, or if agitated, some species move about in noisy jumps, while others slink through the dense foliage. Often, however, they will fly up to a branch to briefly perch for a better view of an intruder. Most species have bright, white signal spots, particularly on the back, that are hidden deep in the plumage when the bird is at rest. When they feel threatened, the birds display these prominent spots in an alternating on-and-off-again manner, alerting nearby individuals to the presence of possible danger. Almost all species vocalize frequently and loudly, and are much more often heard than seen. Songs generally consist of short rhythmical phrases. These are rather non-melodious and quacking in many of the ant-shrikes, and other species have pure whistling sounds. However, the loud, flute-like, long-lasting scales of the ant thrushes are among the most beautiful, harmonious, and characteristic avian sounds of forests of the tropical Americas. Females also sing, and sometimes a pair will vocalize as a coordinated duet. Fledged young

sometimes make themselves noticeable by making conspicuous location calls.

Feeding ecology and diet

The tooth on the bill is used effectively in killing prey, including such arthropods as crickets, bugs, beetles, spiders, centipedes, and woodlice, and sometimes other kinds of invertebrates such as land snails. Larger species of these birds may also eat small frogs, lizards, snakes, mice, and young nestlings. Some species supplement their diet with seeds and small fruits.

The "ant-" prefix of the name of many species derives from the habit of seeking and following foraging swarms of army ants. They do this to snatch up the many arthropods and other small animals flushed by the foraging ants. Some ant-following species are so closely adapted to army ants that they are rarely found far from swarms of these insects. The behavior of antbirds and other species near a foraging swarm of army ants is a thrilling spectacle. Antbirds themselves are a useful guide to finding ant swarms, because their loud calls and songs betray the presence of the insects. The birds are particularly attracted to swarms of the red army ant (Eciton burchelli) and the smaller black rain ant (Labidus praedator). During their periods of mass foraging, huge numbers of heavily armed army ants are on the move, sometimes in fronts several feet wide, but often in narrower columns. The ground appears to come alive at the front of an advancing column as many small animals and insects run to escape the aggressively foraging ants. Crickets, in particular, may rise up in astonishing numbers. Even larger animals such as lizards, mice, and bird nestlings are potential prey for the swarms of army ants.

When found and killed, the dead prey are cut into pieces by the ants and hauled to the central, staging location of the swarm. Meanwhile, antbirds and other birds pick off some of the smaller prey as they flush into the open. The antbirds commonly hang off a woody shoot close to the ground or from a low vine, or perch upon a stump, waiting for the flushing of prey. For some species, the local presence of one or more army-ant swarms is a crucial attribute of habitat quality, which may be vigorously defended against intruders of the same or other species. Outside the breeding season, antdependent species may be nomadic to some degree, seeking active swarms of army ants. Dominant individuals, particularly adult males and owners of nearby territories, often drive off juvenile birds of their species. During the breeding season, antbird pairs usually restrict themselves to ant swarms that pass near their nest. A behavior known as anting, or the rubbing of live ants into the plumage, has been observed in antbirds as well as other birds, likely serving to kill skin parasites by releasing the formic acid of the ants.

Reproductive biology

Most formicariids appear to be sedentary, staying within their breeding territory. Most species, possibly all, appear to be monogamous, mating for life. Many species construct a deep, open-cup nest lightly fitted into a narrow branch-fork

of thinner branches of a shrub or low tree, often hanging over water. Other species build well-closed, spherical, oven-shaped nests with a side entrance on the forest floor. Still others build a woven pouch-nest. Some species breed in natural cavities in rotted trees, logs, or stumps. The typical clutch is two eggs, colored white or yellowish with fine spots, or sometimes an unspotted white or uniform blue-green. For most species, incubation is 14–17 days. Although most species have not been studied well, it appears that the general pattern is for parents to share in the incubation of eggs (though females usually brood at night), feeding of the young, and tending of the fledglings. Young leave the nest soon after hatching and follow their parents about, seeking food and shelter. Many species appear to remain paired all year, and most remain in or close to their territory. Some species, however, become sociable after the breeding season and wander about in mixed foraging flocks with ovenbirds, wood-creepers, tanagers, and other small birds.

Conservation status

As of 2001, the IUCN listed 36 species as being threatened, plus an additional 19 species that are considered Near Threatened or Data Deficient. Little is known, however, about the conservation status of many other species in the family Formicariidae. As additional research is done, further species will certainly be listed as threatened. Many of these and other tropical and subtropical birds are declining rapidly in abundance because of destruction of natural forest habitats. Threatened species listed by the IUCN include:

• The white-bearded antshrike (Biatas nigropectus) is a rare species in bamboo-containing forest of southeastern Brazil and nearby Argentina. It is considered Vulnerable because of destruction of most of its original forest habitat in montane and lowland zones.
• The recurve-billed bushbird (Clytoctantes alixii) occurs only in a few isolated localities in westernmost Venezuela and nearby Colombia and is considered Endangered. The forest habitat of this species in lowlands and foothills has mostly been destroyed to develop agricultural lands.
• The speckled antshrike (Xenornis setifrons) inhabits steep, damp slopes and ravines in eastern Panama and adjacent northwestern Colombia and is considered Vulnerable. Its habitat of humid lowland and foothill forest has mostly been cleared for agricultural development and highway construction.
• The Alagoas antwren (Myrmotherula snowi) is a Critically Endangered species that persists only in a tiny area of upland forest in northeastern Brazil, the rest of its original habitat having been lost to deforestation.
• The ash-throated antwren (Herpsilochmus parkeri) is an Endangered species occurring in a tiny range in northern Peru. Its humid montane forest is being lost to agricultural deforestation.
• The black-hooded antwren (Formicivora erythronotos) is an Endangered species whose only known surviving habitat near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is being degraded by tourism and recreational development.
• The rufous-fronted ant thrush (Formicarius rufifrons) is a Near Threatened species of southeastern Peru. Its habitat of riverine floodplain thickets is at risk from agricultural development.
• The giant antpitta (Grallaria gigantea) is Endangered and occurs in moist cloud-forest habitat in southwestern Colombia and nearby Ecuador. Its habitat is being destroyed by agricultural deforestation.
• The bicolored antpitta (Grallaria rufocinerea) is a

Vulnerable species of the Central Andean region of Colombia. Its habitat of cloud-forest and humid montane forest has mostly been cleared for agricultural land-use.

Significance to humans

Formicariids are rarely hunted as food. As such, they are not of much direct importance to humans. However, views of these and other tropical and subtropical birds are widely sought by birdwatchers and other ecotourists, and this can bring significant economic benefits to accessible areas that retain natural forest habitat.

Species accounts

List of Species

Fasciated antshrike

Cymbilaimus lineatus

taxonomy

Cymbilaimus lineatus Leach, 1814.

other common names

English: Bamboo antshrike; French: Batara fascié German: Zebra-Ameisenwürger; Spanish: Batará Franjeado.

physical characteristics

7 in (17–18 cm); heavy hooked bill and red iris.

distribution

Southern Central America and north-central South America; from Honduras to Panama, and in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Typically below 3,300 ft (1,000 m) in humid tropical forest; vine-tangled and shrubby borders of streams and rivers and tree-fall openings in intact forest; also, mature secondary forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory, territory-defending pairs forage widely at various levels of a dense forest canopy. Song is a series of 6–8 soft, repeated whistles.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed in dense foliage on insects and other arthropods.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Locally widespread and abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Undulated antshrike

Frederickena unduligera

taxonomy

Frederickena unduliger Pelzeln, 1868.

other common names

French: Batara ondé German: Mormor-Ameisenwürger; Spanish: Batará Ondulado.

physical characteristics

9 in (23 cm); relatively short tail, a massive hooked bill, and brown to pale-orange iris.

distribution

Northwestern South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and western Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Typically below 2,300 ft (700 m) in humid, lowland tropical forest; dense undergrowth vegetation and vine-laden tree-falls within terra firme (non-flooded) forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory, territory-defending pairs that forage close to or on the ground. Song is a series of 11–16, high-pitched, repeated notes. The head crest may be raised when calling, and the tail may wag as well.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed in dense foliage on insects and other arthropods.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Uncommon to rare species, but not formally threatened.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Giant antshrike

Batara cinerea

taxonomy

Batara cinereus Vieillot, 1819.

other common names

French: Batara géant; German: Batará; Spanish: Batará Grande.

physical characteristics

Largest species of the formicariids: 12.5–14 in (30.5–35.5 cm), with a relatively long tail and a massive bill.

distribution

East-central South America, including the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains in Bolivia, northern Argentina, and in a separate range in southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina.

habitat

Up to 9,800 ft (3,000 m) in humid tropical and montane forest, forest-edges, and dense thickets in higher woodland; dense vegetation of the lower or middle parts of the forest canopy.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a relatively large territory. They forage close to the ground or in the middle canopy. They are a rarely seen shy and skulking bird. Song is a loud, rather fast series of repeated, ringing, musical notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed in dense foliage on insects and other arthropods.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Uncommon species but can be locally abundant, and not threatened.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Barred antshrike

Thamnophilus doliatus

taxonomy

Thamnophilus doliatus Linnaeus, 1764.

other common names

English: Chapman's antshrike; French: Batara rayé; German: Bindenwollrücken; Spanish: Choca Barreada.

physical characteristics

6.5 in (16 cm), with a yellow iris, long tail, and a large hooked bill.

distribution

Much of tropical South America and Central America; east of the Andes as far south as Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina; widespread farther north except for the heart of Brazilian Amazon; as far north as southern Mexico.

habitat

Up to 6,600 ft (2,000 m) in tropical forest-edges, thickets, open woodland, and in vegetated clearings and gardens, ranging from humid to more arid habitats.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Both sexes sing a fast series of nasal notes; there are also several other calls.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed in dense foliage on insects and other arthropods.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Cinereous antshrike

Thamnomanes caesius

taxonomy

Thamnomanes caesia Temminck, 1820.

other common names

English: Bluish-slate antshrike; French: Batara cendré German: Buschwürgerling; Spanish: Choca Guayanesa.

physical characteristics

6 in (14.5 cm), with a long tail.

distribution

Much of northern tropical South America; east of the Andes in Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia, Ecuador, northeastern Peru, Amazonian Brazil, and northeastern Bolivia; coastal eastern Brazil.

habitat

Up to 2,650 ft (800 m) in humid, lowland tropical forest, especially in terra firme (or non-flooded) habitats and mature secondary forest; lower-canopy habitats.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory, but may also associate with mixed-species flocks. The vocalizations are loud and distinct, and help to organize local, mixed-species flocks. Song is a series of notes and trills.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed in dense foliage on insects and other arthropods. Prey is often caught in the air.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Spot-crowned antvireo

Dysithamnus puncticeps

taxonomy

Dysithamnus puncticeps Salvin, 1866.

other common names

French: Batara ponctué; German: Perlkappenwürgerling; Spanish: Choquita de Corona Moteada.

physical characteristics

4.5 in (11.5 cm), with a whitish iris and moderate-length tail.

distribution

Pacific slope of the Andes Mountains in western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.

habitat

Up to 3,300 ft (1,000 m) in humid tropical forest, especially in lower-growth parts of the canopy.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Song is a series of soft whistled notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed in dense foliage on insects and other arthropods.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Locally abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Black-capped antwren

Herpsilochmus atricapillus

taxonomy

Herpsilochmus atricapillus Pelzeln, 1868.

other common names

English: Bahia antwren, creamy-bellied antwren, pileated antwren; French: Grisin mitré; German: Schwarzkopf-Ameisenfänger; Spanish: Tiluchí de Cabeza Negra.

physical characteristics

5 in (12 cm), with a rather long tail.

distribution

East-central South America in Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northwestern Argentina.

habitat

Up to 3,600 ft (1,100 m) in humid tropical forest and woodlands.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Both sexes sing an accelerating trilled song; males often echoed by females. Tail rapidly vibrates while singing.

feeding ecology and diet

Gleans insects and other arthropods from dense foliage throughout the canopy.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and locally abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Gray antwren

Myrmotherula menetriesii

taxonomy

Myrmotherula menetriesii d'Orbigny, 1837.

other common names

French: Myrmidon gris; German: Buntflügel-Ameisenschlüpfer; Spanish: Hormiguero de Garganta Gris.

physical characteristics

4 in (9.5-10 cm), with a rather short tail.

distribution

Northern South America, including southern Venezuela, Guyana, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and much of Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Up to 2,950 ft (900 m) in humid tropical forest, forest-edges, and openings within forest. Mostly restricted to terra firme (or non-flooded) forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Often join mixed-species foraging flocks, but tend to feed higher in the

canopy than other species. Song is a weak series of about 12 repeated notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in the middle and upper canopy.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and locally abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Ash-winged antwren

Terenura spodioptila

taxonomy

Terenura spodioptila P.L. Sclater & Salvin, 1881.

other common names

French: Grisin spodioptile; German: Grauschwingen-Ameisenfänger; Spanish: Tiluchí Piojito.

physical characteristics

4 in (10 cm), with a long tail.

distribution

Northern South America, including southern Venezuela, Guyana, southeastern Colombia, northeastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and the northern Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Up to 3,600 ft (1,100 m) in humid tropical forest and forest-edges, mostly in terra firme (or non-flooded) forest. Utilize higher parts of the canopy.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Often in mixed-species foraging flocks. Song is an accelerating trill.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in the upper parts of the forest canopy.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Locally abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Scaled antbird

Drymophila squamata

taxonomy

Drymophila squamata M.H.K. Lichtenstein, 1823.

other common names

French: Grisin écaillé; German: Schuppenameisenfänger; Spanish: Tiluchí Escamado.

physical characteristics

5 in (11.5 cm), with a long tail.

distribution

Eastern coastal Brazil.

habitat

Below 2,000 ft (600 m) in understory vegetation of humid tropical forest, forest-edges, and mature secondary forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Song is a raspy series of descending notes, sometimes echoed by the female.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in dense vegetation near ground level.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Locally abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Gray antbird

Cercomacra cinerascens

taxonomy

Cercomacra cinerascens P.L. Sclater, 1857.

other common names

French: Grisin ardoisé; German: Aschkopf-Ameisenfänger; Spanish: Hormiguerito Gris.

physical characteristics

6 in (16 cm), with a long tail.

distribution

Northern South America, including southern Venezuela, Guyana, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and widely in Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Below 2,300 ft (700 m) in the mid-and upper-canopy of humid tropical forest and mature secondary forest, particularly in terra-firme (or non-flooded) forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Sometimes associated with mixed-species foraging flocks. Song is a rough series of notes, sometimes echoed by the female.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in dense vegetation in mid-and upper-canopy habitats.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and locally abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Black-faced antbird

Myrmoborus myotherinus

taxonomy

Myrmoborus myotherinus Spiz, 1825.

other common names

French: Alapi masqué; German: Schuppenflügel-Ameisenschnäpper; Spanish: Hormiguero Ratonero.

physical characteristics

5 in (13 cm), with a bright red iris, and short tail.

distribution

Amazonian region of northern South America, including southern Venezuela, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and widely in Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Below 2,300 ft (700 m) in the mid-and upper-canopy of humid terra-firme (non-flooded) tropical forest and mature secondary forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Sometimes associated with mixed-species foraging flocks. Song is a loud, fast series of notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in dense lower-canopy vegetation.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Spot-backed antbird

Hylophylax naevia

taxonomy

Hylophylax naevia J.F. Gmelin, 1789.

other common names

French: Alapi paludicole; German: Braunflecken-Waldwächter; Spanish: Hormiguero de Espalda Punteada.

physical characteristics

4.5 in (11.5 cm), with a gray iris, and short tail.

distribution

Amazonian region of northern South America, including southern Venezuela, Guyana, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and widely in Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Below 3,600 ft (1,100 m) in undergrowth vegetation of terra-firme (non-flooded) and flooded tropical forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Song is a fast, high-pitched series of wheezy notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in dense lower-canopy vegetation.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Warbling antbird

Hypocnemis cantator

taxonomy

Hypocnemis cantator Boddaert, 1783.

other common names

French: Alapi carillonneur; German: Singameisenschnäpper; Spanish: Hormiguero Cantarín.

physical characteristics

5 in (12 cm), with a black iris and short tail.

distribution

Amazonian region of northern South America, including southern Venezuela, Guyana, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and widely in Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Below 3,300 ft (1,000 m) in dense undergrowth vegetation of the borders of humid tropical forest and secondary forest, often in the vicinity of wet areas.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Song of males is a rapid series of notes, sometimes echoed by the female.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in dense lower-canopy vegetation.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Black-throated antbird

Myrmeciza atrothorax

taxonomy

Myrmeciza atrothorax Boddaert, 1783.

other common names

French: Alapi de Buffon; German: Pechbrust-Ameisenvogel; Spanish: Hormiguero de Garganta Negra.

physical characteristics

5.5 in (14 cm), with a black iris and moderately long tail.

distribution

Amazonian region of northern South America, including southern Venezuela, Guyana, southeastern Colombia, northeastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and widely in Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Below 1,600 ft (500 m) in dense undergrowth vegetation of the borders of humid tropical forest, secondary forest, and savanna woodland, usually in the vicinity of wet areas.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. May forage in larger groups. Song of males is a rapid, high-pitched series of notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in dense vegetation close to the ground.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Black-faced antthrush

Formicarius analis

taxonomy

Formicarius analis d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837.

other common names

French: Tétéma coq-de-bois; German: Schwarzkehl-Ameisendrossel; Spanish: Chululú Enmascarado.

physical characteristics

7 in (17–18 cm), with a black iris and white eye-ring, and short tail held erect.

distribution

Amazonian region of northern South America and in tropical Central America; from tropical southern Mexico, through appropriate habitats in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, coastal Venezuela, the Guyanas, northern and central Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and widely in Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Below 3,300 ft (1,000 m) in extremely dense undergrowth vegetation of humid tropical forest and mature secondary woodland.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. May forage near swarms of army ants. Song of males is a series of up to 10 fading notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Glean insects and other arthropods from foliage in dense vegetation close to the ground.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Giant ant-pitta

Grallaria gigantea

taxonomy

Grallaria gigantea Lawrence, 1866.

other common names

French: Grallaire géante; German: Riesenameisenpitta; Spanish: Chululú Gigante.

physical characteristics

One of the largest birds in family; 9.5 in (24 cm), with a black iris and tan eye-ring, heavy bill, and very short tail.

distribution

Sporadic, local distribution on the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in southwestern Colombia and western Ecuador.

habitat

Between 7,200 to 9,850 ft (2,200–3,000 m) in montane primary and mature secondary forest, and sometimes in rough pasture near forest.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Song of males is a series of quavering notes lasting about five seconds.

feeding ecology and diet

Forages for insects and other arthropods on or very close to the ground.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Endangered. Very rare species surviving in only a few, isolated populations. Its surviving critical habitats must be protected against damages caused by economic development.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Thrush-like ant-pitta

Myrmothera campanisona

taxonomy

Myrmothera campanisonam Hermann, 1783.

other common names

French: Grallaire grand-beffroi; German: Fleckenbrust-Ameisenjäger; Spanish: Chululú Campanero.

physical characteristics

6 in (15 cm), with a black iris, stout bill, and very short tail.

distribution

Amazonian region of northern South America, including southern Venezuela, Guyana, eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northwestern Bolivia, and widely in Amazonian Brazil.

habitat

Below 3,950 ft (1,200 m) in humid tropical forest, especially where there is dense undergrowth.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Song of males is a series of 5–6 whistled notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Forage for insects and other arthropods on or very close to the ground.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Widespread and relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Fulvous-bellied ant-pitta

Hylopezus dives

taxonomy

Hylopezus dives Salvin, 1865.

other common names

English: White-lored antpitta; French: Grallaire à ventre fauve; German: Schwarzkappen-Ameisenpitta; Spanish: Chululú de Buche Canela.

physical characteristics

6 in (14.5 cm), with a black iris and very short tail.

distribution

From Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama in Central America to the Pacific lowlands of western Colombia and adjacent northwestern Ecuador.

habitat

Below 2,950 ft (900 m) in dense vegetation along the edges of humid tropical forest and regenerating clearings.

behavior

Nonmigratory pairs defend a breeding territory. Song of males is a series of 6–8 whistled notes.

feeding ecology and diet

Forage for insects and other arthropods on or very close to the ground.

reproductive biology

Monogamous pairs bond for life, typically lay two eggs, and share incubation and care of nestlings and fledglings.

conservation status

Not threatened. Relatively abundant.

significance to humans

No direct significance, except for the indirect economic benefits of bird-watching and ecotourism.

Resources

Books

BirdLife International. Threatened Birds of the World. Barcelona, Spain, and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, 2000.

Ridgely, R. S., and G. Tudor. The Birds of South America. Vol. II, The Suboscine Passerines. Austin: University of Texas Press. 1994.

Organizations

BirdLife International. Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0NA United Kingdom. Phone: +44-1-223-277-318. Fax: +44-1-223-277-200. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: <http://www.birdlife.net>

IUCN–The World Conservation Union. Rue Mauverney 28, Gland, 1196 Switzerland. Phone: +41-22-999-0001. Fax: 41-22-999-0025. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: <http://www.iucn.org>

Bill Freedman, PhD