The bar-crested antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Found in the Andean foothills and lower montane zones of Colombia and western Venezuela. It favors dense understory along forest edges, secondary woodland, vine tangles, and shaded agroforestry such as coffee plantations. The species typically keeps close to the ground to mid-levels, moving through thickets and along streamside vegetation. It is most often encountered in pairs within territories and may join mixed-species flocks briefly at forest margins.
Altitude Range
400–2100 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the bar-crested antshrike is often heard before it’s seen and readily responds to duets from its mate. Pairs maintain territories year-round and frequently duet, which helps observers locate them in dense vegetation. It tolerates secondary growth and shaded plantations, though intact montane forest edges remain its core habitat.
Temperament
paired and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that defend year-round territories. Nests are shallow cups placed low in dense shrubs or vine tangles; both sexes participate in incubation and chick-rearing. They may briefly join mixed-species flocks at edges but generally remain within thick cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear whistles and churring notes, often delivered as male–female duets. Songs start with measured whistles and may accelerate or descend slightly; call notes are sharp chips from within cover.
