Dusky-throated Antshrike

Overview

The dusky-throated antshrike (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) is a species of bird in the family Thamnophilidae, commonly known as typical antbirds. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its very large range, although its population size is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Size 13 to 14 cm long and weighing 16 to 19 g.
• Adult males of the nominate subspecies are mostly darkish gray, lighter on the belly, often with a small white patch between the scapulars and some black feathers on the throat.
• Wings and tail are darkish gray with small white tips on the tail feathers.
• Song consists of a moderately long series of notes that gradually become shorter, more intense, and rise in pitch before dropping into a final raspy note.

Habitat

The species primarily inhabits the understorey of terra firme evergreen forest and less often várzea forest. It is found east of the Andes ranging from south-central and southeastern Colombia through eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northeastern Bolivia to western Brazil, and from eastern Colombia through the Guianas to northern and southern Brazil.

Diet

The diet includes insects and other arthropods, foraged singly, in pairs, family groups, or as part of mixed-species flocks. It typically forages from the ground up to 4 m above it but may feed as high as 10 m, capturing prey by sallying from perches to the underside of foliage or by gleaning and dropping to the ground.

Did you know?

The common name combines the Ancient Greek words thamnos meaning 'bush' and -manēs meaning 'fond of'.