The black-cheeked ant tanager is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae. It is endemic to Costa Rica. It was formerly placed with the red-crowned ant tanager in the genus Habia.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and foothill humid forests of far southwestern Costa Rica, centered on the Osa Peninsula and the Golfo Dulce region. It inhabits mature evergreen forest and tall secondary growth, favoring dense understory and midstory near streams and ravines. The species is closely associated with forest interiors and edges with good canopy cover. It frequently follows army ant swarms to capture flushed arthropods and may range along narrow forest trails and creek beds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-cheeked ant tanager is a distinctive ant-following songbird restricted to southwestern Costa Rica, especially around the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce. It often forages near swarming army ants to snatch flushed insects. Its very small range and ongoing habitat loss have led to a threatened conservation status. It is a forest interior specialist that is more often heard by its sharp chips and clear whistles than seen.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks. Regularly follows army ant swarms to feed on flushed prey. Nests are placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation; pairs are thought to be monogamous during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, mellow whistles interspersed with sharp chip notes. Calls are penetrating and help locate the bird in dense understory.
