Rufous-fronted Antthrush

Overview

The rufous-fronted antthrush (Formicarius rufifrons) is a species of bird in the family Formicariidae found in the far western Amazon Basin. It is a year-round resident in southeastern Peru, northwestern Bolivia, and far western Brazil, currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN despite a decreasing population.

Identification

• Approximately 18 cm long with similar plumage in both sexes, featuring a bright orange rufous forehead extending to the bill and eye.
• Rear crown and upper back are olive brown, while the lower back is medium brown and the rump is rufescent brown.
• Face, throat, and breast are sooty gray, transitioning to a paler gray on the belly with rufous brown vents and brownish olive flanks.
• Possesses a brown iris, black bill, and dull pink legs and feet.
• Song consists of a series of piping notes where the pitch rises in the middle before falling, described as 'hu-hu-hu-HWEE-HWEE-WHEE-hew-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu', accompanied by a loud, ringing 'TCHEW!' call.

Habitat

Found in the drainages of the Madre de Dios, Jurua, and Urubamba rivers in the far western Amazon Basin. It inhabits the edges and interior of floodplain forests characterised by a dense understory of bamboo or Heliconia.

Diet

Feeds primarily on arthropods, including insects, centipedes, and small snails. As an almost entirely terrestrial forager, it walks slowly with its tail cocked up and is assumed to sweep or flick aside leaf litter to find food.

Did you know?

While its population is decreasing and it faces threats from habitat loss, small-scale clearance of riverine forests may actually benefit the species by creating the mosaic of open and forested habitat it prefers.