Bluish-slate Antshrike

Overview

The bluish-slate antshrike (Thamnomanes schistogynus) is a species of bird in the family Thamnophilidae, commonly known as the typical antbirds. It is a year-round resident found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.

Identification

• Males of the nominate subspecies are almost entirely darkish grey, while females are browner and paler with thin white streaks on the ear coverts and throat.
• Females possess deep cinnamon-rufous bellies and flanks, and the subspecies T. s. intermedius is darker overall than the nominate.
• The bird measures 13.5 to 14.5 cm in length and weighs between 16 and 18 g.
• Its song consists of a hurried series of high, fluted notes that accelerate into a long, downslurred rattle, accompanied by calls such as whines, chatters, and rattles.

Habitat

This species inhabits the understorey to mid-storey of terra firme and várzea evergreen forests, favouring areas with bamboo and vine tangles. Its range covers western Brazil south of the Amazon, southeastern Peru, and northwestern Bolivia, typically occurring below 800 m but reaching up to 1,200 m.

Diet

The bluish-slate antshrike feeds on insects and other arthropods, foraging mostly singly, in pairs, or as the central member of a mixed-species flock. It typically captures prey by sallying from a perch between 3 and 8 m above the ground, though it may range from 1.5 m to 13 m, to grab food in mid-air or from foliage.

Did you know?

The nest is a deep cup constructed from rotten leaves, rootlets, and plant fibres that resembles a pile of dead leaves or debris, providing exceptional camouflage in its bush or vine tangle habitat.