Rufous-tailed Antthrush

Overview

The rufous-tailed antthrush, also known as the Brazilian antthrush, is a species of bird in the family Formicariidae. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a population that is believed to be decreasing but currently faces no immediate threats.

Identification

• 19 to 20 cm long with a rufescent brown crown and entirely rufescent brown tail.
• White lores, a white streak behind the eye, and a whitish neck streak contrast with rufescent brown upperparts.
• Underparts are buff with black streaks on the sides and black bars on the crissum; the throat is white with small blackish spots.
• Song is a rapid series of hollow notes at an even pace, increasing in volume and pitch before levelling off.

Habitat

Found in southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina's Misiones Province, this species inhabits the interior and edges of humid montane forest and mature secondary woodlands. It favours areas with dense undergrowth at elevations between 600 and 2,200 m.

Diet

The diet consists of insects and spiders, though specific foraging behaviours are not detailed in the sources. The bird is almost entirely terrestrial, walking slowly and deliberately on the forest floor, usually alone or in pairs.

Did you know?

One observed nest was constructed in a tree cavity and lined with a pad of leaves, fungal rhizomorphs, and grass, containing two nestlings.