Slaty Gnateater

Overview

The slaty gnateater (Conopophaga ardesiaca) is a species of bird in the family Conopophagidae found in the Yungas of eastern South America. It is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 12.5 to 14 cm with a mean weight of 26.3 g.
• Typical male features a dark grey head and underparts, brown crown and upper parts, and a white tuft behind the eye.
• Females display more brown on the face, a smaller white tuft, and a white patch on the belly.
• Vocalisations include a frog-like 'g-reep' song and a 'tseet' call.

Habitat

This species inhabits the narrow band of the Yungas on the eastern slope of the Andes, ranging from southeastern Peru to Bolivia. It prefers dense growth in rainforest, typically around treefalls, road edges, and similar openings at elevations between 800 and 1,800 m.

Diet

The slaty gnateater forages for arthropods in leaf litter and foliage on and near the ground.

Did you know?

The species' song is described as sounding 'frog-like'. It may actually benefit from logging and road construction, as these activities create the edge habitats it favours.