Streak-capped Antwren

Overview

The streak-capped antwren (Terenura maculata) is a small bird species belonging to the subfamily Thamnophilinae of the family Thamnophilidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, where it inhabits the southern Atlantic Forest.

Identification

• Males possess a black-and-white streaked crown, nape, and upper back, with tawny to chestnut upperparts and a hidden white patch between the shoulders.
• The throat and upper breast are white with black streaks, while the lower breast is yellow with black streaks; females are similar but paler with less distinct streaking.
• Wings are black with pale yellow edges on flight feathers and white tips on coverts; the tail is olive-gray.
• Measuring 9 to 10 cm in length, the bird produces a high, sharp, ringing rattle song lasting about three seconds, accompanied by sharp 'chip' calls.

Habitat

This species occupies the southern Atlantic Forest, ranging coastally in Brazil from Bahia to Santa Catarina and inland through Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná, extending into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. It inhabits evergreen forests and secondary woodlands, typically found in the mid-storey and canopy from sea level up to 1,250 m in elevation.

Diet

The diet consists primarily of insects and likely includes spiders, though it is not known in detail. The bird forages actively and restlessly, gleaning prey from dense vegetation, leaves, and vine tangles mostly between 6 m above the ground and the canopy, often in pairs or mixed-species flocks.

Did you know?

The streak-capped antwren does not follow army ant swarms, distinguishing its foraging behaviour from some other antbird relatives.