Spot-winged Antbird

Overview

The spot-winged antbird (Myrmelastes leucostigma) is a species of bird in the family Thamnophilidae, commonly known as the typical antbirds. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its large range and stable population.

Identification

• Length ranges from 14 to 16 cm (5.5 to 6.3 in) with a weight of 20 to 28.5 g (0.71 to 1.0 oz).
• Males of the nominate subspecies have dark gray upperparts, blackish gray wings and tail with wide white tips on the wing coverts, and pale to dark gray underparts.
• Females display a dark gray crown, dark cinnamon-brown upperparts, and blackish brown wings and tail with pale cinnamon-rufous tips on the wing coverts.
• Legs and feet are pinkish in the nominate subspecies, but bluish gray in M. l. subplumbeus, M. l. intensus, and M. l. infuscatus.
• M. l. intensus sings a rapid, fairly even-paced series of ringing notes that slightly decrease in pitch and pace at the end.

Habitat

Found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, inhabiting the floor and understorey of terra firme evergreen forest. It particularly favors poorly drained areas and regions along small watercourses at lower elevations. Elevation ranges from 400 m to 1,650 m depending on the location.

Diet

Diet consists mainly of insects and arachnids, and also includes small lizards. Forages as individuals, pairs, and small family groups, usually within 1 m of the ground and rarely with mixed-species flocks. Regularly attends army ant swarms to capture prey but more often forages away from ants.

Did you know?

The spot-winged antbird's only known nest was constructed at least partly of small rootlets.