The dull-mantled antbird is a perching bird species in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Region
Central America and the Chocó region
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Caribbean slope of northern Costa Rica through Panama and into northwestern Colombia (Chocó and adjacent foothills). It inhabits humid lowland and foothill rainforest, especially along shaded ravines and near streams. Birds use dense understory tangles, Heliconia stands, and second-growth edges adjacent to mature forest. It is generally local but can be fairly common where intact forest persists.
Altitude Range
100–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dull-mantled antbird is a shy understory specialist that often keeps to dense thickets near streams. It frequently forages by following army ant swarms to snatch flushed insects, though it is not an obligate ant-follower. Pairs maintain year-round territories and give soft duets to keep contact. Its low, flicking tail and preference for shadowy ravines make it easier to hear than to see.
Male dull-mantled antbird, Arenal, Costa Rica, taken on 13 March 2024.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that defend permanent territories in dense understory. Nests are low, cup-shaped structures placed in tangles or overhanging vegetation near streams. Pairs communicate with soft duets and maintain close contact while foraging. Aggressively excludes rivals from key foraging spots such as ant-swarm routes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of clear, whistled notes that accelerate slightly and may fall at the end; calls include dry chips and soft contact whistles. Vocalizations carry well in ravines but are subdued compared to some antbird relatives.
