The dot-backed antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland tropical rainforest across the Amazon of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and southern Venezuela. Prefers dense understory in terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, often near streams and oxbow lakes. Frequently found in vine tangles, thickets, and bamboo patches where it forages close to the ground. Avoids open areas and heavily disturbed forest, favoring continuous canopy and shaded, humid microhabitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist of the Amazon, the dot-backed antbird is best recognized by the neat white spots scattered across its back. Pairs keep close contact and often perform coordinated duets. It forages quietly at low levels, sometimes attending army-ant swarms to snatch flushed insects. Its preference for dense, humid forest makes it sensitive to extensive habitat degradation.
Illustration by Comte Francis de Castelnau, 1856
Male, Amazonas, Brazil
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Both sexes participate in nesting and often duet to reinforce pair bonds and mark territory. Nests are small, suspended cups placed low in dense vegetation; clutches are usually two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled series delivered at a measured pace, often rising slightly before trailing off. Pairs frequently duet, with the female giving a complementary phrase overlapping the male’s song.
Plumage
Neat white spots scattered across the mantle and wing coverts; underparts warm cinnamon to rufous, with a darker head in males and browner tones in females.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods including ants, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, and occasionally sallies to snatch flushed insects. Sometimes attends army-ant swarms to capture fleeing prey, though it is not an obligate follower.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory within dense thickets, bamboo stands, and along stream edges. Keeps within 0.5–3 m of the ground, using cover to remain concealed while searching for prey.
