The dusky-throated antshrike is a species of 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 across humid lowland forests of the western and central Amazon in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Prefers terra firme forest but also uses riverine and seasonally flooded várzea where suitable midstory structure exists. Most active in the shaded interior and along quiet forest trails, avoiding open areas. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks that roam midstory strata. Sensitive to extensive forest clearance but persists in large continuous tracts.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A core member of Amazonian mixed-species flocks, this antshrike often acts as a sentinel, giving sharp alarm calls that alert other birds to predators. It forages methodically in the forest midstory, sometimes near army-ant swarms but is not an obligate ant follower. Pairs are territorial yet spend much of the day accompanying flocks through the forest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain territories but spend much of the day embedded within mixed-species flocks. Acts as an early-warning sentinel, giving alarm notes that influence flock movement. Nests are open cups placed low to midstory; both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes delivered at a steady pace, sometimes slightly descending. Calls include sharp chips and scolds that carry well through the midstory and are often given in response to predators.
Plumage
Male is largely slate-gray with a darker, dusky throat and subtle pale spotting on the wing coverts; female is warmer brown-olive above with buffier underparts and a dusky throat patch. Both sexes show a moderately long tail and neat, smooth plumage with minimal streaking.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, katydids, spiders, and other insects gleaned from foliage and small branches. Often hover-gleans or makes short sallies to snatch prey flushed by other flock members. Will attend army-ant swarms opportunistically to capture escaping insects but is not specialized for this behavior.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and midstory of mature humid forest, typically 2–10 m above ground. Common along quiet forest trails, near vine tangles, and in dense midstory where it can methodically inspect leaves and twigs.
