The Caatinga antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Northeast Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across the Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil, favoring dry deciduous woodland, thorn scrub (caatinga), and edges of gallery woodland. It keeps mostly to the midstory and canopy of low, open forests with abundant thorny shrubs and small trees. The species tolerates light disturbance and secondary growth but declines where vegetation is heavily cleared or converted. It is generally absent from dense humid forest and open treeless habitats.
Altitude Range
100–900 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small antwren is confined to Brazil’s semi-arid Caatinga, where it forages nimbly through thorny scrub and dry woodland. Pairs often perform antiphonal duets, with male and female exchanging rapid, high-pitched notes. It typically joins mixed-species flocks but does not habitually follow army ants. Ongoing habitat degradation in the Caatinga is the primary concern for its long-term persistence.
Caatinga
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that maintain small territories and often join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are small, cup-shaped structures placed low to mid-height in shrubs or small trees. Both sexes participate in vocal duets and likely share parental duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills delivered rapidly, often as an antiphonal duet between male and female. Calls are sharp ticks and tsip notes that carry through dry scrub.
Plumage
Male is neat gray with a black cap and mask, clean whitish underparts, and prominent white wingbars; tail shows small white corners. Female is warmer brown-olive above with a rufous-tinged crown, buffier underparts, and the same contrasting wingbars. Both sexes have a slim appearance with fine barring or edging on wings less marked than many antbirds.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark and will occasionally sally short distances to snatch flushed insects. Foraging is quick and methodical, often in the midstory where foliage density is moderate.
Preferred Environment
Midstory and canopy of dry scrub and low woodland, especially in thorny caatinga with scattered small trees. Frequently forages along edges, in secondary growth, and within mixed-species flocks.
