The band-tailed antwren is a Vulnerable species of insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous Atlantic Forest, mainly in lowlands and foothills. It favors dense understory with vine tangles, bamboo thickets, and edges along streams and forest margins. The species persists in some secondary growth and forest fragments but is most frequent where continuous cover remains. It typically keeps to shaded lower strata, from near ground level up to the midstory.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Band-tailed Antwren is an insectivorous antbird restricted to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and is currently listed as Vulnerable due to ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation. It forages in dense understory, often in pairs, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Its name refers to the conspicuous pale bands on the tail, a key field mark in shadowy forest. Conservation of lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest tracts is critical for its persistence.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups maintaining territories within dense cover. Often accompanies mixed-species understory flocks but remains low and concealed. Nest is a small cup placed low in vegetation; pairs are presumed monogamous and both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of quick notes that accelerates slightly, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes exchanged between pair members. Duetting can occur during territory defense or pair bonding.
Plumage
Male is dark slate to blackish with bold white wingbars and conspicuous pale bands across the tail; underparts may show fine pale spotting or faint barring. Female is warm brown-olive above with buffy to yellowish underparts, subtler wingbars, and the same pale tail banding. Both sexes show short, sleek plumage suited to maneuvering through dense foliage.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It probes clusters of dead leaves and bamboo sheaths where prey hides. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flying insects and may forage near small ant activity but is not an obligate ant-follower.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory of primary and mature secondary forest, especially along streams, vine tangles, and bamboo patches. It keeps to shaded, cluttered microhabitats where it can move quickly between perches.
