The cinereous antshrike is an insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland evergreen rainforest in the Amazon Basin, including Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. Prefers interior primary forest and tall secondary growth, most often in the midstory and lower canopy. It is frequently found moving with mixed-species flocks through dense understory and vine tangles. The species can be locally common where intact forest persists and generally avoids open edges and heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A core member of Amazonian mixed-species flocks, the cinereous antshrike often acts as a sentinel, giving sharp alarm calls that other birds heed. It forages mainly in the midstory, sallying to snatch insects from foliage and air. Unlike obligate ant-followers, it only occasionally attends army-ant swarms. Pairs are typically territorial and may duet to maintain contact.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs that anchor mixed-species foraging flocks, maintaining contact with frequent calls. Both sexes likely share nesting duties at a small cup nest placed in shrubs or low trees. Pairs defend territories and remain in them year-round.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of thin, clear whistles interspersed with sharp chips. Alarm notes are rapid, scolding chacks that alert other flock members. Vocalizations are frequent while moving with flocks.
Plumage
Mostly uniform slate-gray to cinereous, with smooth, plain plumage and subtle wing markings. Feathers appear soft-textured, lacking heavy streaking or spotting. Female may be slightly browner or paler below than the male.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including beetles, ants, spiders, and other insects. Captures prey by sally-gleaning from perches and by short aerial sallies. Occasionally takes prey flushed by army-ant swarms but is not an obligate ant-follower. Frequently forages while accompanying mixed-species flocks, exploiting disturbed insects.
Preferred Environment
Midstory and lower canopy of humid forest, especially within dense vine tangles and near treefalls or gaps with active insect life. Typically inside forest interiors rather than edges.
