The ash-winged antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Euchrepomidinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and possibly Peru.
Region
Northern Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland tropical forests of Brazil north of the Amazon, southern Venezuela, eastern Colombia and Ecuador, and the Guianas; it possibly reaches adjacent northern Peru. It inhabits terra firme forest, edges, and secondary growth, and also uses white-sand (campinarana) forest where available. Birds forage mostly in the lower to mid understory, often between 1–8 m above ground. It is generally uncommon to fairly common but easily overlooked due to its secretive habits.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly placed in the genus Terenura, the ash-winged antwren was reassigned to Euchrepomis after molecular studies clarified relationships within antbirds. It is a quiet, understory insectivore that often joins mixed-species flocks, making it easier to detect by its high, thin song than by sight. Subtle sexual dimorphism means males show stronger gray wing panels, while females are warmer and duller.
Temperament
skulking yet active in dense understory
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over brief distances
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and regularly associates with mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nesting is presumed to involve a small cup placed low in vegetation, with both sexes participating in care. Territorial songs and contact calls help pairs remain in touch within dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, high-pitched series of thin notes that accelerates slightly, often given from concealed perches. Calls include sharp, sibilant chips and soft trills that can be hard to localize.
Plumage
Compact antwren with fine, neat plumage; males show a contrasting pale ashy wing panel on otherwise dusky wings, while females are browner-olive with a subtler wing panel. Underparts are pale to buffy with slight streaking or wash, and upperparts tend to gray-olive. Tail is short and often flicked, revealing subtle patterning.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch insects. While not an obligate ant-follower, it may take advantage of disturbed prey near small army ant activity.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower to mid understory of terra firme and secondary forests, often along edges, vine tangles, and shaded thickets. It frequently moves with mixed-species flocks, which increases foraging efficiency and predator vigilance.
