The black-spotted bare-eye is a species of insectivore passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Amazon Basin of South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland primary and mature secondary rainforest across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It favors dense, shaded understory, especially near army ant swarms, and uses both terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests. Most activity is within 0–3 m of the ground, often along stream margins and in thickets. It is typically absent from heavily degraded or open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A specialist ant-following bird, it forages at the front of army ant swarms to snatch insects and other arthropods that flee the ants. Its name refers to the conspicuous bare skin around the eye, which may aid in heat dissipation and prevents feathers from fouling during close-to-ground foraging. It is typically quiet and secretive, moving low in dense rainforest understory. Pairs often remain within a territory year-round.
Temperament
secretive and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, closely attending army ant swarms rather than joining mixed-species flocks. Territorial pairs maintain year-round home ranges centered on reliable foraging areas. Nests are placed low, typically a cup hidden in dense vegetation, with both sexes sharing parental duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow whistles and soft notes delivered from low perches, often spaced and subdued. Calls include quiet chips and churring notes given while following ant swarms.
Plumage
Rich rufous-brown upperparts with buffy to ochraceous underparts heavily marked with black spots; wings and tail darker brown. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a sleek appearance in the understory. The head shows extensive bare periocular skin contrasting with the plumage, and the bill is stout.
Diet
Primarily arthropods flushed by army ants, including beetles, crickets, cockroaches, spiders, and caterpillars. It sally-hops from low perches to capture prey on the ground or leaf litter. Occasionally takes small invertebrates from trunks and vines and may seize larger prey when abundant at swarms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded rainforest understory, particularly at active army ant swarms where prey is concentrated. Also forages along stream edges, vine tangles, and dense thickets in terra firme and várzea forest.
