The ash-throated antwren is a Vulnerable species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Peruvian Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen foothill forests on the east slope of the central Peruvian Andes. It frequents the subcanopy and canopy, often along forest edges, on ridges, and in tall second-growth adjoining intact forest. The species is typically encountered in mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through foliage high above the ground. It avoids heavily degraded habitats and large open areas.
Altitude Range
700–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named in honor of the late ornithologist Ted Parker, the ash-throated antwren was only described to science in the early 2000s. It is a canopy-dwelling antbird that is often detected by its distinctive high, thin song rather than by sight. Though some of its range falls within protected areas like Cordillera Azul National Park, ongoing habitat loss in the Andean foothills continues to threaten the species.
Temperament
active and furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that join mixed-species canopy flocks. It forages by gleaning and sallying short distances among foliage and outer branches. Nests are presumed to be small cups placed well above ground, with both adults attending young, as in congeners.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high, thin notes that accelerate slightly, giving a tinkling quality. Calls include sharp chips and short trills used to keep contact within pairs and mixed flocks.
Plumage
Small, slim antwren with an ashy-gray throat and head contrasting with olive-brown upperparts and buffy underparts. Wings show two pale wingbars and darker flight feathers; tail is dusky with pale edging. Female tends to have warmer, buffier tones below and a less pronounced gray on the throat.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs in the subcanopy and canopy. It occasionally sallies to snatch prey from the air or probes clusters of dead leaves. Not considered an obligate army-ant follower, but may take advantage of disturbed prey when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the forest strata, especially along canopy edges, vine tangles, and sunlit outer branches. Often forages while moving with mixed-species flocks that include tanagers and other antwrens.
