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Overview
Cherrie's antwren

Cherrie's antwren

Wikipedia

Cherrie's antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Western and central Amazon Basin

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforest across parts of Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. It is most frequent in dense understory of terra firme forest but also uses seasonally flooded várzea and river-edge thickets. Individuals keep to the lower to mid understory, moving methodically through vine tangles, Heliconia stands, and bamboo patches. The species is typically found in intact or lightly disturbed forest, and is less common in heavily fragmented habitats.

Altitude Range

0–800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size9–11 cm
Wing Span14–17 cm
Male Weight0.009 kg
Female Weight0.008 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Cherrie's antwren is a small understory antbird of Amazonian lowland forests, often accompanying mixed-species flocks. It forages quietly in dense cover, gleaning tiny insects from leaves and twigs. The species was named in honor of American naturalist George K. Cherrie. It belongs to the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), whose members sometimes attend army-ant swarms to catch flushed prey.

Gallery

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Behaviour

Temperament

skulking and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species understory flocks. Forages by gleaning and short hover-gleans in dense cover a few meters above ground. Nest is a small cup placed low in vegetation; both parents participate in care. Territorial during breeding but tolerant of other species when flocking.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A thin, high-pitched series of notes or a short, rapid trill that may slightly accelerate, delivered from low perches. Calls are sharp, high tsip or tsee notes used to keep contact in dense understory. Vocalizations can be easily overlooked amid insect noise.

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