The bicolored antvireo is a Near Threatened insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru)
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and cloud forests on Andean slopes, favoring mature forest, edges, and tall secondary growth with dense understory. Commonly associated with vine tangles, bamboo (Chusquea), and mossy midstory strata. It stays within interior and edge microhabitats where cover is thick, often along ravines and steep slopes. Although it can persist in fragments, it is less frequent where forest is heavily degraded or opened.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy antbird of the Andean cloud forests forages methodically in dense foliage, often in pairs and sometimes with mixed-species flocks. Males and females look strikingly different, which helps pairs stay in contact while foraging. It is sensitive to forest fragmentation and is considered Near Threatened due to habitat loss in parts of its range.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain small territories and keep contact with soft calls. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory. Builds a small cup nest in low to mid-level vegetation; both parents incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, thin, slightly accelerating whistles delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp tsee notes and short scolds when disturbed.
Plumage
Male shows a bold two-toned pattern with dark upperparts and contrasting pale underparts, plus conspicuous white wingbars; female is warmer brown-olive with buffier underparts and subtler wingbars. Both have short, hooked bills and fine, dense plumage suited to humid forests.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It probes clusters of dead leaves and picks prey from the undersides of foliage. Occasionally makes short sallies to snatch disturbed insects and may follow mixed flocks to exploit flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and midstory of humid montane forest, including bamboo and vine thickets. Often works along shaded slopes, ravines, and forest edges where cover is continuous.
