The Aripuana antwren is an insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to central Amazonian Brazil.
Region
Central Amazonia (Brazil)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the interfluvial region around the Aripuanã and neighboring rivers in central Amazonian Brazil. It inhabits mature terra firme forest, using the midstory to canopy layers where it gleans arthropods from foliage and small branches. The species also forages along forest edges and treefall gaps but is most frequent in intact evergreen forest. It is typically detected by voice rather than by sight because it stays high in the canopy.
Altitude Range
50–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Aripuana antwren is a small canopy antbird recently described from central Amazonian Brazil and named in honor of ornithologist Doug Stotz. It forages nimbly among leaves and twigs, often joining mixed-species flocks high in the forest. Pairs commonly perform coordinated duets, which helps them keep contact in dense foliage.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between foliage
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain close contact while foraging high in the canopy. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through the upper forest strata. Nesting is presumed to involve a small, well-concealed cup with biparental care, similar to other Herpsilochmus.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, high-pitched notes and rapid trills delivered in short series. Pairs often give coordinated duets, with phrases that alternate or overlap, carrying well through the canopy.
Plumage
Small, slender antwren with crisp wingbars and a clean, contrasting pattern typical of Herpsilochmus. Males are gray with a darker face and crown and bright white wingbars; females are warmer brownish above with a rufous-tinged crown and buffy underparts. Both sexes show fine, neat plumage with little streaking and a neat, pointed bill.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, petioles, and fine branchlets, and occasionally hover-gleans to pick items from leaf surfaces. Short sallies are used to snatch flushed prey. There is no evidence of fruit-eating and it behaves as a strict insectivore.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of mature terra firme forest, especially along sunlit edges of crowns and in vine tangles. Also uses treefall gaps and borders of forest clearings while remaining in taller vegetation.
