The black-bellied antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Found in eastern Bolivia, central and southern Brazil, and parts of Paraguay, primarily in lowland habitats. It occupies cerrado and caatinga-like scrub, gallery forests, riverine thickets, and secondary growth. Edges of woodlands, palm groves, and shrubby clearings are frequently used. The species favors dense, tangled understory where it can forage discreetly and nest close to the ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small antbird favors dense scrub and forest edges where it forages low to mid-level for insects. Males show a striking black belly and breast, while females are warmer, buffier below with subtler markings. It often travels in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks. Despite its name, it is not an obligate follower of army ants, though it may opportunistically forage near them.
Temperament
skulking but active in dense cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups that maintain territories year-round. Nests are usually cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation. It may join mixed-species flocks while foraging but remains relatively inconspicuous within them.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, dry trill or rattle that accelerates slightly, often delivered from low perches in scrub. Calls include sharp chips and soft ticks used for contact between pair members. The song can be repeated in short bouts during the early morning.
Plumage
Male with black underparts and throat, contrasting darker head, and brownish to gray upperparts with bold white wing bars and shoulder spots. Female shows warm brown upperparts and buff to cinnamon underparts with a more subdued or limited dark belly area, plus pale wing bars. Both sexes have fine, close-textured plumage suited for dense scrub and a slightly decurved bill.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. It may opportunistically forage near army-ant swarms but does not depend on them.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory of scrub, edge habitats, and secondary woodland, often 0–3 m above the ground. Frequently works along thickets near forest edges and watercourses where insect abundance is high.
