The bare-eyed antbird, occasionally known as the Santarem antbird, is a Vulnerable species of insectivorous passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Amazon (Lower Amazon/Tapajós region)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland terra firme rainforest of the lower Amazon, especially between major rivers and in the Santarém–Tapajós area. It keeps to the shaded understory and forest floor where army ant swarms move. Primary, mature forest is preferred, and it is seldom found in heavily degraded or fragmented tracts. It is typically absent from open areas and extensive secondary growth.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An obligate ant-follower, it forages at swarms of army ants to snatch insects and other arthropods flushed from the leaf litter. Its distinctive feature is a patch of bare, bluish skin around the eye, which gives the species its name. It is highly sensitive to forest fragmentation and depends on intact lowland Amazonian forest. The species is localized near the lower Amazon around Santarém in Pará, Brazil.
Temperament
secretive and specialized
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that shadow army ant swarms. Pairs are likely monogamous and maintain territories centered on reliable foraging areas. Nests are placed low and well concealed, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes that may accelerate or slightly rise and fall, carrying through the understory. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while following ant swarms.
Plumage
Mostly plain, dusky to brownish plumage with a smooth, unpatterned appearance in the understory. Feathers are compact and sleek, aiding movement through dense foliage.
Diet
Takes insects and other arthropods flushed by the advance of army ants, especially ants of the genus Eciton. Prey includes beetles, spiders, cockroaches, and small orthopterans, grabbed from the leaf litter or low vegetation. It seldom pursues prey away from active ant swarms and rarely takes fruit.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or just above the forest floor in dense, mature terra firme forest. Most feeding occurs at the edges and front of moving ant swarms under deep shade.
