The brown-bellied stipplethroat, previously called brown-bellied antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Guianan Shield and northern Amazonia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforests of Brazil (northern Amazonas and Pará/Amapá), French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and adjacent Venezuela. It favors terra firme forest with dense understory, vine tangles, and abundant suspended dead leaves. The species is typically found in interior forest and mature second growth, less often near edges. It is a year-round resident and shows little evidence of long-distance movements.
Altitude Range
0–700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly known as the brown-bellied antwren, this stipplethroat is a tiny antbird specialized in gleaning insects from clusters of dead leaves in the rainforest understory. It often travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. The species shows subtle sexual dimorphism, with males typically grayer above and females more rufescent. It is non-migratory across the Guianan Shield.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with soft contact calls. Nests are small cups placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes likely share incubation and care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin trills and sibilant sequences of notes that accelerate slightly. Calls include soft chips and brief rattles, often exchanged between pair members while foraging.
Plumage
Fine, stippled throat pattern with a contrasting brown belly; upperparts grayish to brownish with subtle scaling on the throat and breast. Females are warmer rufescent below with less distinct throat stippling. Feathers are neat and compact, suited to maneuvering through dense foliage.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including insects and spiders, taken by gleaning and probing. It specializes in inspecting suspended dead-leaf clusters, where many prey conceal themselves. Occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flushed insects and may take small larvae or eggs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower to mid understory of terra firme rainforest, especially in vine tangles and dead-leaf clumps. Often forages while moving with mixed-species flocks along quiet forest trails and interiors.
