The bicolored antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America to Chocó (W Colombia and NW Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern Honduras south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama into western Colombia and locally in northwestern Ecuador. Inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, and older secondary growth with a relatively intact understory. It is most often encountered inside forest where army ant swarms travel along the ground. Typically stays close to the forest floor, using low perches and hopping among leaf litter.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An obligate ant-follower, it depends on columns of army ants (especially Eciton burchellii) to flush insects and other small prey from the leaf litter. At swarms it forages alongside other specialized antbirds, following a strict dominance hierarchy. Pairs often keep close contact with soft calls and may duet. Habitat loss in lowland forests can affect local populations by reducing army ant abundance and intact understory.
Soberania National Park, Panama
Parque Nacional Darién, Panama
Temperament
social and active near ant swarms
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups that closely attend army ant swarms. At swarms it interacts with other ant-following birds and maintains a subordinate position to larger species. Nests are placed low, and both sexes participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled notes that may rise or fall in short series, often given as ant swarms are located. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used to keep pairs coordinated.
Plumage
Compact antbird with smooth, unbarred plumage; upperparts rich rufous-brown and underparts plain. Male shows a striking dark hood and breast contrasting with warm rufous upperparts and paler belly; female lacks the black hood, with browner head and buffy underparts. Wings and tail are rufous with no wingbars. Bill is stout with a slightly hooked tip.
Diet
Primarily captures arthropods such as insects and spiders flushed by advancing army ants. Will also take small frogs or lizards on occasion. Foraging is mostly via quick sallies to the ground or low vegetation to seize stunned or fleeing prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within the shaded interior of humid forests, tracking the front of army ant columns. Uses low perches, logs, and leaf litter microhabitats along swarm paths.
