The black-cheeked gnateater is a species of bird in the family Conopophagidae endemic to Brazil. The male is distinguished by its orange crown, black face and white throat, while the female has brown plumage.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Found in the dense understory of lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest, including secondary growth and bamboo thickets. It favors shaded, humid areas with abundant leaf litter and low perches near streams. The species keeps close to the ground, moving by short hops and brief flights between cover. It tolerates some disturbance but declines where forests are heavily fragmented.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory bird of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the black-cheeked gnateater spends most of its time close to the ground in dense thickets. Males show striking black cheeks, a white throat, and an orange-rufous crown, while females are more uniformly brown for camouflage. It captures insects with short sallies from low perches and often gives soft, clear whistles from cover. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation are its main threats, though it remains locally common in suitable habitat.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs within small territories. Pairs are often long-term and nest low, placing a cup-shaped nest close to the ground or in low shrubs. Both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, clear, whistled notes delivered from within dense cover. Calls include sharp ticks and occasional bill-snaps when agitated.
Plumage
Male with orange-rufous crown, black face and cheeks, crisp white throat, and warm brown upperparts; underparts buffy to rufous. Female is mostly brown with a paler throat and less contrast overall, aiding concealment in the understory.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaf litter and low foliage. It often sallies from a low perch to snatch prey and then drops back into cover. Prey includes ants, beetles, spiders, and small orthopterans. It forages methodically, pausing frequently to scan and listen.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in densely vegetated understory, along forest edges, and near streamside thickets. Frequently forages on or just above the forest floor where leaf litter and tangled roots provide concealment.
