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Brown-bellied stipplethroat

Brown-bellied stipplethroat

Wikipedia

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.

Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size9–11 cm
Wing Span14–17 cm
Male Weight0.009 kg
Female Weight0.008 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

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Behaviour

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.

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