Collared Antshrike

Overview

The collared antshrike (Thamnophilus bernardi) is a species of bird in the subfamily Thamnophilinae of the family Thamnophilidae, known as the 'typical antbirds'. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although the subspecies T. b. shumbae is assessed as Vulnerable.

Identification

• Length of 16.5 to 18 cm with a weight of 30 to 38 g, featuring a bushy crest and stout, hooked bill.
• Adult males of the nominate subspecies have a black crown and crest with white spots on the forehead, a white collar, and dull rufous-brown upperparts.
• Both sexes possess a chestnut-brown iris, a black maxilla, and blue-grey legs and feet.
• The nominate subspecies sings a slow, accelerating series of deep barking notes, while the shumbae subspecies produces a much faster song with distinct introductory and terminal notes.

Habitat

Found in Ecuador and Peru, the species inhabits deciduous forest, arid scrublands, and shrubby secondary forest. It typically ranges in elevation up to 1,500 m, though locally reaching 1,950 m in the Marañón Valley.

Diet

The diet consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates. Foraging occurs mostly in pairs or within mixed-species flocks, taking place on or near the ground but occasionally as high as 10 m, using gleaning and quick stabbing techniques.

Did you know?

The species' nests are known to be parasitised by shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis).