The chestnut-belted gnateater is a species of bird in the family Conopophagidae, the gnateaters. It is found in the Amazon Basin of northern Brazil, southern Colombia and eastern Peru and Ecuador; also the Guianan countries of Guyana, Suriname and eastern French Guiana. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland rainforests of northern Brazil, southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador and Peru, and across the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana). Prefers dense, shaded understory of terra firme forest, but also uses seasonally flooded várzea edges and older secondary growth. Often near stream margins, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. It avoids open areas and remains close to the forest floor. Typically encountered singly or in pairs within well-defined territories.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive understory bird, the chestnut-belted gnateater is named for the rich chestnut band across its breast. Males display striking white ear tufts during courtship and territorial encounters. It forages close to the ground, making short sallies to snatch insects from leaves or mid-air. Despite being widespread in the Amazon Basin, it is often heard before it is seen.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low direct dashes
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs maintaining small territories in dense understory. Pairs communicate with soft calls and display the ear tufts during courtship or territorial disputes. The nest is typically a low cup hidden in dense vegetation, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, repeated whistles that may accelerate slightly and carry well in the understory. Calls include sharp tics and soft notes given while foraging. It often sings from a low, concealed perch.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied gnateater with a bold chestnut breast band and clean whitish belly. Male shows darker face with a conspicuous white ear patch/tuft and contrasting chestnut band; upperparts are brown to rufescent. Female is warmer brown overall with buffy face, less contrasting ear patch, and a duller chestnut band. Tail is short; feathers appear smooth and slightly glossy on the head.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and orthopterans. Captures prey by short sallies from low perches and by gleaning from leaves and stems. Frequently forages within 0.5–2 m of the ground and may occasionally attend ant swarms to snatch flushed insects. It rarely consumes fruit.
Preferred Environment
Dense, shaded understory with abundant vine tangles and saplings, often near streams or forest edges within mature forest. Uses semi-open gaps and older secondary growth when cover is available.
