The black-and-white antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs along major white-water rivers and their islands in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is closely tied to early successional vegetation on river islands, especially dense stands of cane (e.g., Gynerium) and willow-like shrubs (e.g., Tessaria). Birds forage low and mid-level in river-edge thickets, sandbar scrub, and young gallery growth. It rarely ventures into mature terra firme forest, preferring dynamic, open to semi-open riparian habitats.
Altitude Range
0–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is the sole member of its genus and is specialized for life on Amazonian river islands. It favors early successional thickets of cane and shrubs that appear on white-water river sandbars. Its habitat shifts naturally with river dynamics, so local populations can relocate as islands erode and form. Despite this instability, it remains fairly widespread across the western and central Amazon Basin.
Temperament
active but skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories within dense river-edge thickets. Nests are placed low in shrubs or grasses on or near river islands; both sexes likely share incubation and provisioning. Pairs remain in their dynamic habitat and shift locally as vegetation changes with seasonal floods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast series of high, thin whistles that accelerate slightly, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and dry rattles used in contact and alarm. Vocalizations carry well through dense riverside vegetation.
Plumage
Strikingly contrasting black and white; males are mostly black with bold white patches on the shoulders and wings, and clean white areas on the back or flanks. Females are duller with brownish or buff tones mixed with black-and-white patterning, especially on the wings and back. Overall appearance is crisp and patterned, with short tail and compact build.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from leaves, stems, and bark in dense scrub. It also sallies short distances to capture flushed prey and probes among cane and river-edge debris. While an antbird, it is not an obligate army-ant follower and mostly forages independently or in pairs within its specialized habitat.
Preferred Environment
Dense cane stands, young willow-like shrub thickets, and mixed scrub on river islands and sandbars. Often keeps close to the ground or mid-story within tangles and along edges of open sandy patches.
