The common scale-backed antbird is a species of passerine 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 in lowland rainforests of the Amazon in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Prefers dense understory of terra firme and várzea forests, often near army ant swarms. Also uses secondary forest, bamboo thickets, and forest edges where cover is thick. Typically remains close to the ground to mid-understory, moving through tangles and viney thickets.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A specialist follower of army ant swarms, it snatches insects and other arthropods flushed by the ants from the forest floor. Pairs often keep close contact with soft calls and perform antiphonal duets. Males show striking black-and-white scaling on the back, while females are warm rufous-brown with subtler scaling. It is widespread in the Amazon Basin and generally tolerates a range of lowland rainforest habitats.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain territories and keep close contact while moving through dense understory. Frequently attends army ant swarms, often with other ant-following birds, but forages at the edges of the swarm. Nests are typically low cups placed close to the ground in dense cover, with both sexes participating in care. Vocal duets are common between pair members.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, slightly descending whistles delivered at a measured pace; pairs may sing antiphonally. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used while moving through cover.
