The black-headed antthrush is a species of bird in the family Formicariidae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.
Region
Southern Central America to the Chocó of northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Caribbean and Pacific slopes of Costa Rica through Panama and into western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador (Chocó region). Prefers mature and well-regenerated humid lowland and foothill forests with dense understory. Often near streams, gullies, and buttressed tree bases where leaf litter accumulates. It is generally absent from open areas but may use shady secondary growth adjacent to intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive, ground-dwelling antthrush of humid forests from Costa Rica to northwestern Ecuador. It forages by walking and flicking aside leaf litter to find arthropods, and it may shadow army-ant swarms to snatch flushed prey. Its mournful, whistled song carries far through dense understory, often revealing birds that are otherwise unseen. Habitat loss is the main local threat, but the species remains widespread.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs on the forest floor. Pairs maintain territories year-round and communicate with duetted whistles. Nests are placed close to the ground, with both parents attending eggs and young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, mellow series of whistles, often rising or falling slightly and delivered at measured pace. Calls are simple, carrying far through dense understory and repeated from low perches or while standing on the forest floor.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied antthrush with a contrasting black hood and warm rufous-brown body; underparts and mantle are rich brown with slightly paler belly center. Wings and tail are uniformly brown; feathers appear smooth and unpatterned. The overall look is clean and hooded rather than streaked or spotted.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Occasionally takes small snails or other invertebrates. Captures prey by gleaning and pecking through leaf litter and probing around roots and fallen logs. May attend army-ant swarms opportunistically to seize fleeing prey.
Preferred Environment
Leaf-littered floors of primary and mature secondary rainforest, especially along shady trails, stream edges, and buttress bases. Forages in dim understory with dense cover, rarely venturing into open areas.
