Black-bellied Gnateater

Overview

The black-bellied gnateater is a species of bird in the family Conopophagidae, endemic to Brazil. It is currently assessed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Males have black heads and upper underparts that fade to dark gray on the lower belly, with rich chestnut upperparts and a long white tuft behind the eye.
• Females feature gray faces and underparts with a white throat, chestnut upperparts that are browner than the male's, and a smaller white eye-tuft.
• The song consists of a series of up to five short, dry rattles, while calls include low grunts, barks, or short rattles.
• Length ranges from 13 to 15.8 cm, with a weight between 37 and 43.5 g.

Habitat

This species inhabits thick vegetation in terra firme forest, preferring vine tangles, second-growth palms, bamboo, and streamcourses. Its range is restricted to two disjunct areas within the south-central Amazon Basin in Brazil.

Diet

The black-bellied gnateater feeds on arthropods, although specific foraging details have not been documented.

Did you know?

The species is monotypic, and its exact position within the gnateater family remains unsettled between major taxonomic authorities.