Southern Antpipit

Overview

The southern antpipit (Corythopis delalandi) is a species of tyrant flycatcher that inhabits the southern Atlantic Forest. It is classified as a bird of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is believed to be decreasing despite a very large range.

Identification

• Measures 13 to 14 cm in length with an otherwise pale grayish olive face featuring a faint whitish loral spot.
• Upperparts, wings, and tail are olive, while the underparts are mostly white with an almost solid black 'necklace' on the breast that extends as black streaks along the flanks.
• Possesses a blackish upper bill and a pale pinkish lower bill with a yellow to pinkish orange base, along with long pale grayish pink legs.
• Song described as a very high, short, calm, and sweet series of canary-like trills, such as 'weeh-rrwee-wurr-wiwi'.

Habitat

Found in tropical lowland forest, both primary and secondary, from sea level to 1,000 m, though mostly occurring below 800 m. Its range spans eastern Bolivia, northern Argentina, eastern Paraguay, and southern Brazil. The species is a year-round resident throughout its distribution.

Diet

Feeds primarily on arthropods and occasionally includes lizards and frogs. It forages alone on the forest floor and along downed logs, walking slowly and bobbing its head and tail. Prey is usually taken by jumping to snap it from the underside of leaves.

Did you know?

The bird constructs an oven-shaped dome nest on the forest floor with a side entrance, featuring a base of leaf litter, an outer shell of green moss and leaves, and a lining of thin plant fibers.