Ferruginous Antbird

Overview

The Ferruginous Antbird (Drymophila ferruginea) is an insectivorous bird belonging to the family Thamnophilidae. It is endemic to southeastern Brazil and is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adults measure 12 to 13 cm in length and feature a black crown, white supercilium, and a wide black eye band.
• Males have rufous underparts and reddish yellow-brown upperparts, whereas females are paler with olive streaks on the crown and rufous wing covert tips.
• The song is a very high, loud, sharp 'tit-tuweéw' often repeated once or three times without an interval.

Habitat

Found in southeastern Brazil, this species inhabits stands of bamboo along the edges of primary evergreen forest, secondary woodland, and openings made by fallen trees. It typically occurs at altitudes from sea level to 1,200 m, though occasionally reaching 1,600 m.

Diet

Feeding mostly on a wide variety of arthropods, the Ferruginous Antbird forages individually, in pairs, or in family groups usually within 10 m of the ground. It gleans prey from live leaves and stems by reaching, lunging, or making short flights, and also probes and tears at clusters of dead leaves.

Did you know?

The species has demonstrated an ability to utilise second-growth habitats, which may render it less vulnerable to disturbance than most other antbirds.