The creamy-bellied antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east Andean slopes of central Peru, primarily in humid montane and foothill evergreen forests. It favors canopy and upper midstory layers along forest edges, ridges, vine tangles, and semi-open secondary growth near mature forest. The species often joins mixed-species flocks, moving rapidly through foliage to glean small arthropods. It is sensitive to extensive deforestation and fragmentation, persisting best where continuous forest remains.
Altitude Range
600–1700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small canopy antwren of the Peruvian Andes, the creamy-bellied antwren often travels with mixed-species flocks, where its quick, leaf-gleaning foraging can be easiest to spot. It belongs to the antbird family (Thamnophilidae) and favors humid montane forest. Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten its limited range. Its soft, high-pitched trills can give away its presence long before it is seen.
Temperament
active and furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between foliage
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly associates with mixed-species canopy flocks. Likely monogamous, maintaining small territories in suitable forest. Nest is a small, suspended or cup-like structure placed in dense foliage; both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of high, thin notes accelerating into a brief trill. Calls include sharp, sibilant chips and soft contact notes exchanged between pair members. Vocalizations carry modestly through the canopy but can be easily masked by flock activity.
Plumage
Compact, active antwren with gray-olive upperparts and a distinctly creamy to buff belly and breast. Displays two crisp white wingbars and a slightly notched, dark tail with pale tips. A faint whitish supercilium and clean, unstreaked underparts help separate it from similar antwrens.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and clusters of dead foliage. It uses quick, precise movements and occasional hover-gleaning to pick prey from the outer canopy. Rarely, it sallies short distances to snatch flushed insects. It is not an obligate ant follower and generally forages independently or within mixed flocks.
Preferred Environment
Foraging occurs in the canopy and upper midstory of humid montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and vine tangles. It also uses semi-open secondary growth adjacent to intact forest, provided vertical structure remains.
