The bare-crowned antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America and the Chocó of northwestern Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama into northwestern Colombia. Prefers lowland tropical and subtropical moist forests with dense understory, including swamp forests and second growth. Most frequently encountered near the forest floor, especially along streams, thickets, and vine tangles. Strongly associated with army-ant swarms, where it forages just ahead or to the sides of the column. Avoids open habitats and heavily degraded areas, remaining in shaded, humid environments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A dedicated army-ant follower, the bare-crowned antbird often forages at the edges of ant swarms to snatch fleeing insects. The species is monotypic in its genus and notable for its naked, bluish crown skin. Males and females look strikingly different, with males mostly dark and females warm rufous-brown. The bare crown may aid in display and heat dissipation while working near the forest floor.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups maintaining territories in dense understory. Often accompanies army-ant swarms and may form loose, temporary associations with other ant-following birds. Nests low in shrubs or saplings; both sexes participate in incubation and care of the young. Pairs may duet and remain together across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, ringing series of whistled notes, often accelerating or slightly rising in pitch. Calls include sharp chips and rapid scolds near ant swarms. Duets between mates are not uncommon in dense cover.
Plumage
Male mostly dark slaty to blackish with a distinctive bare, bluish crown skin; female predominantly warm rufous-brown with paler underparts and also showing a bare crown patch. Both sexes have dense, smooth body feathers suited to the understory and a sturdy, slightly hooked bill.
Diet
Primarily arthropods flushed by army ants, including insects such as beetles, crickets, cockroaches, and larvae, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. It captures prey by quick sallies to the ground or low vegetation, often from low perches. Outside of swarms, it gleans quietly in dense understory but forages less efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Feeds near the forest floor in shaded, humid understory, especially along ant swarms. Common around vine tangles, roots, buttresses, and fallen logs where prey concentrates. Avoids open edges and disturbed clearings.
