Cryptic Antthrush

Overview

The cryptic antthrush, or Such's antthrush, is a bird species endemic to the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Although first described in 1825, it was long overlooked due to confusion with similar species and was only recognised as distinct in 1992. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length of 19 to 19.5 cm and weight of 66 to 77 g, with similar appearance in both sexes.
• Plumage: Red-brown forecrown and brown crown; olive-brown upperparts with a reddish rump; white or buff lores and a white streak behind the eye; buffy white underparts with black streaks on the sides and flanks.
• Bill and legs: Dusky brown bill, legs, and feet; brown to reddish-brown iris.
• Song: A long series of 20–40 hollow notes, loudest near the middle and quieter at the beginning and end; occasionally gives an abrupt 'quick!' call.

Habitat

Found in the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil, ranging from southern Bahia to northeastern Santa Catarina. It inhabits the floor of the interior and edges of humid montane forest, typically occurring between 200 and 1,500 m in elevation, though occasionally lower.

Diet

The diet and foraging behaviour of the cryptic antthrush are not known in detail, but it is almost entirely terrestrial, walking slowly and deliberately on the forest floor, along roots and logs, while hunting for invertebrates.

Did you know?

Despite being described nearly 200 years ago, the species went unnoticed for much of that time because of its close resemblance to the rufous-tailed and short-tailed antthrushes, earning it the name 'cryptic'.