Rufous-breasted Antthrush

Overview

The rufous-breasted antthrush (Formicarius rufipectus) is a species of bird in the family Formicariidae. It is a year-round resident found across parts of Central and South America, assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List despite a believed population decline.

Identification

• 18 to 19 cm long with a stout build, weighing between 65 and 82 g.
• Plumage features a dark chestnut to black crown and nape, a blackish face and throat with a bluish white ring of bare skin around the eye, and a rufous-chestnut breast.
• Back and wings are dark brown with dark rufescent brown rumps, while the belly is pale rufous and flanks are olive-brown.
• Song consists of two clear whistles described as 'toot-toot', accompanied by a double-noted chirp call.

Habitat

This species inhabits humid to wet primary and mature secondary forests, favouring ravines, regrown landslide scars, and steep slopes with dense undergrowth. Its range spans Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela, occurring between 800 and 2,400 m in elevation depending on the region.

Diet

The specific diet of the rufous-breasted antthrush is not known, though it is almost entirely terrestrial. It forages by walking slowly and deliberately with its tail cocked, and has been observed on rare occasions at an army ant swarm.

Did you know?

Although the specific diet of this bird remains a mystery, it moves through the forest floor by walking slowly with its tail cocked up in a manner that mimics a little rail.