The Esmeraldas antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó biogeographic region (western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid lowland and foothill forests of the Chocó, favoring dense understory and thickets, especially near streams and ravines. It inhabits primary forest and mature secondary growth, keeping close to the forest floor. The species is most frequently found in shaded, mossy gullies and along quiet forest trails. It will join mixed-species flocks at times but is more often found as a pair within a territory.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Esmeraldas antbird is a skulking understory species of the Chocó humid forests of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It often accompanies army-ant swarms to snatch fleeing insects and is typically encountered in pairs. Its restricted range makes it sensitive to lowland forest loss. Despite being hard to see, its clear whistled song often reveals its presence.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically found in monogamous pairs holding year-round territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low, with both parents participating in incubation and feeding. It sometimes associates with mixed-species understory flocks but remains close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled series delivered from low perches, often beginning with spaced notes that accelerate slightly. Calls include sharp chips and harsh scolds given when agitated near the nest or territory boundaries.
Plumage
Male is mostly dark slate to blackish with a plain appearance and subtly darker tail; female is warm rufous-brown above with paler, buffy underparts and a grayer face. Both sexes show a fairly plain mantle and minimal patterning, with fine pale edging on some wing coverts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, vines, and dead foliage near the ground. Frequently attends army-ant swarms to capture flushed prey. It also probes leaf litter and pecks at mossy bark in the dim understory.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense, shady understory of humid forest, along stream edges, and in vine tangles. Uses low perches and short hops on or just above the forest floor, rarely venturing into open areas.
