The chestnut-shouldered antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Euchrepomidinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of western Amazonia, including eastern Ecuador, northern and eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and adjacent western Brazil (e.g., Acre and Amazonas). It favors mature terra firme forest and tall secondary growth and often frequents canopy gaps and forest edges. The species is most often encountered in the mid- to upper levels of the forest, where it moves rapidly with mixed flocks. It is less common in seasonally flooded várzea but may appear along riverine corridors.
Altitude Range
100–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small antbird of the western Amazon is named for the male’s conspicuous chestnut shoulder patch. It forages high in the mid- to upper canopy and is a regular participant in mixed-species flocks. Unlike some antbird relatives, it is not an obligate follower of army ants. Its subtle vocalizations can make it easier to detect by ear than by sight in dense foliage.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between foliage
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that integrate readily into mixed-species canopy flocks. Pairs maintain small foraging territories within larger flock routes. Nesting biology is poorly known, but antwrens typically build small, cup-like nests concealed in foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of notes that may accelerate into a short trill. Calls include sharp, insect-like tsip notes exchanged between pair members while foraging.
Plumage
Small, compact antwren with a contrasting chestnut patch on the shoulder (lesser wing-coverts), otherwise gray to olive upperparts and paler, buffy underparts. Fine, neat feathering with subtle wingbars and a clean, tidy appearance. Bill slender and slightly decurved.
Diet
Primarily consumes small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and suspended dead foliage. Frequently employs hover-gleaning and short sallies to pick prey from the underside of leaves. Foraging is deliberate but continuous, often synchronized with the movements of a mixed-species flock.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of terra firme forest, especially along edges, gaps, and sunlit crowns where prey is more exposed. Occasionally descends to midstory strata when following flock activity.
