Dugand's antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland forests of southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northeastern Peru. Prefers terra firme forests with a well-developed canopy and also uses forest edges and tall secondary growth. It forages mainly in the subcanopy and canopy, typically above understory level. The species frequently associates with mixed-species flocks and moves through vine tangles and outer foliage layers.
Altitude Range
100–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Dugand's antwren is a tiny canopy antbird that actively gleans insects from foliage and often joins mixed-species flocks in lowland rainforest. It is named after the Colombian naturalist Armando Dugand. Pairs keep close contact with soft calls while foraging high in the subcanopy and canopy. Its subtle plumage makes vocalizations important for detection.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Pairs maintain contact with soft calls while moving through foliage. Nesting is presumed as a small cup placed in a slender fork or suspended among foliage, with both parents likely participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series that accelerates into a short trill. Calls include sharp chips and faint tseet notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Male shows gray upperparts with fine, clean whitish underparts and two pale wingbars; wings dark with contrasting pale edgings. Female is browner above with buff-washed underparts and similar double wingbars. Both sexes have relatively plain faces with a faint pale supercilium and a dark tail with pale tips.
Diet
Consumes small arthropods, chiefly insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch prey. Often feeds in association with mixed flocks, taking advantage of disturbed insects. Rarely, it may probe into clusters of dead leaves and vine tangles.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the subcanopy and canopy of humid terra firme forest and tall secondary growth. Frequently uses forest edges and vine-laden outer foliage where prey is abundant. Less often descends into the midstory.
