Glossy Antshrike

Overview

The glossy antshrike (Sakesphorus luctuosus) is a species of bird in the family Thamnophilidae, known as the typical antbirds. It is endemic to Brazil and is considered generally common throughout its range, currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Approximately 17 cm (6.7 in) in length, weighing 27 to 33 g (0.95 to 1.2 oz), with a shaggy crest.
• Adult males are almost entirely black with dark grey lower back, rump, belly, and crissum, while females possess a deep chestnut-brown forehead and crest.
• Song consists of a short, accelerating series of 10-15 high, nasal 'ah' notes, accompanied by downslurred whistles and soft, raspy 'caw' notes.

Habitat

Found throughout much of the Brazilian Amazon Basin, the species inhabits forest and woodlands along rivers and smaller watercourses, primarily in igapó and várzea but also in non-flooding areas. It favors forest understory and mid-storey that is dense with shrubs and vines, occurring from sea level to about 250 m (800 ft) in elevation.

Diet

This bird feeds on a wide variety of insects and other arthropods, foraging singly or in pairs from the ground up to about 15 m (50 ft) above it. It hops through dense vegetation to glean prey from leaves, stems, vines, and branches, sometimes making short upward jumps or dropping to the ground to capture food.

Did you know?

The only known nest of this species was discovered on a small river island where it was the sole tree present. The nest was a pendant bag constructed from plant fibers and leaves, suspended at the top of the tree approximately 3 m (10 ft) above the ground.