The barred antthrush is a species of bird in the family Formicariidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the east Andean slope from Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests with dense understory, especially mossy ravines, forest edges, and bamboo (Chusquea) thickets. Birds keep close to the forest floor and favor areas with deep leaf litter and fallen logs. It tolerates selectively logged forest but avoids open habitats. Local presence is often detected by song rather than visual encounters.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive ground-dweller of Andean cloud forests, the barred antthrush is more often heard than seen. It delivers clear, whistled phrases that carry through dense understory. Although named an antthrush, it does not specialize on army ants and instead forages broadly in leaf litter for arthropods.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs that defend stable territories on the forest floor. Forages by deliberate walking, flicking leaves, and probing among roots and fallen branches. Nests are placed on or near the ground, often a concealed cup of leaves and fibers; clutches are small. Both members of a pair are attentive near the nest and remain close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, fluty whistles delivered at measured intervals, often accelerating slightly. Calls include sharp, penetrating notes that carry through dense vegetation, making the species easier to detect by ear than by sight.
Plumage
Heavily barred plumage with fine black-and-buff barring on the underparts and dusky barring or mottling above. Upperparts are rich brown with subtle rufous tones on wings and tail. Feathers appear dense and slightly fluffy, aiding camouflage in shadowed understory.
Diet
Feeds primarily on ground-dwelling arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and other insects, as well as millipedes and other invertebrates. It occasionally takes small vertebrates like tiny frogs or lizards. Prey is obtained by gleaning, probing, and flipping leaf litter, with short dashes to seize moving items.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor of humid montane forest, especially in dense understory and bamboo patches. Often works along stream edges, root tangles, and mossy logs where invertebrates are concentrated.
