The checker-throated stipplethroat, previously called fulvous-bellied antwren or checker-throated antwren, is a small passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found from Honduras to Ecuador.
Region
Central America and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Caribbean slope of Honduras south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and into the Chocó and adjacent foothills of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It inhabits humid evergreen forest, tall second growth, and forest edges, keeping to the understory and midstory. Most frequently found in dense vine tangles and along shaded trails or stream courses. Common participant in mixed-species flocks moving through the lower strata.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known historically as the fulvous-bellied antwren, this species is now placed in the genus Epinecrophylla, whose members are called stipplethroats for their finely spotted throats. It forages actively in the lower forest, often joining mixed-species flocks. Males show a distinctive black-and-white 'checker' pattern on the throat, while females are browner with a richer buff belly. It is a typical antbird that gleans small arthropods from foliage rather than chasing flying insects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that regularly join mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory. Territorial around breeding areas, with both sexes participating in foraging and likely parental care. Nests are placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, high-pitched series of thin notes or trills that accelerates slightly, carrying softly through the understory. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used while moving with flocks.
Plumage
Compact antwren with olive-brown upperparts and buff to fulvous underparts; throat finely spotted or checkered. Males show black throat heavily stippled with white; females have less contrast with warmer cinnamon-buff underparts.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. Often inspects dead leaf clusters and the undersides of foliage. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch prey but mostly uses deliberate gleaning. May opportunistically attend small army-ant activity but is not an obligate ant follower.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and lower midstory of humid forest and tall second growth, especially in areas with dense vines and saplings. Frequently moves with mixed-species flocks along forest edges and streamside thickets.
