The Amazonian streaked antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland Amazonia in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It favors edges of terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, river islands, and disturbed or secondary forests with dense understory. Dense vine tangles, bamboo patches, and shrubby river margins are typical haunts. It is most often encountered at the forest edge and along waterways rather than deep interior forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small antwren was split from the Streaked Antwren complex and is now recognized as distinct from the Guianan Streaked Antwren. It forages in pairs or family groups, often in vine tangles and young secondary growth along Amazonian rivers. Though an antbird, it is not a specialized army-ant follower. Males and females look quite different, which helps with field identification.
Female at Apiacás, Mato Grosso
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that keep close contact while foraging. Frequently joins mixed-species understory flocks but remains near dense vegetation. Nests are small suspended cups placed low in shrubs or vine tangles; both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, thin series of high-pitched notes or trills that accelerate slightly. Calls include sharp, sibilant chips used to keep contact in dense foliage. Vocalizations carry surprisingly well despite their high pitch.
Plumage
Male is dark with bold narrow whitish streaks above and below; female is warmer brown-olive above with buff to cinnamon underparts and lighter, subtler streaking. Both sexes show fine streaking on the back and underparts, with contrasting wingbars. Feathers are short and sleek, aiding quick movement through tangles.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders. It gleans from leaves and twigs, probes clusters of dead leaves, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch prey. Foraging is deliberate but brisk, often focusing on vine tangles and bamboo where prey concentrates.
Preferred Environment
Understory and edge thickets, especially along river margins, young secondary growth, and viney or bamboo-rich patches. Often forages within 1–5 meters above ground where cover is densest.
