The ferruginous antbird is an insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeast Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest, favoring dense, humid understory with abundant bamboo and vine tangles. It inhabits secondary growth, forest edges, and interior thickets where cover is continuous. Often remains close to the ground to mid-understory, moving methodically through dense vegetation. It persists in forest fragments if understory structure is intact, but is sensitive to severe degradation.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A bamboo-thicket specialist of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the ferruginous antbird skulkily forages in dense understory. Its name refers to its rich rusty (ferruginous) plumage. Unlike some antbirds, it is not an obligate follower of army ants, though it may join mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss is a concern, but the species remains fairly widespread within suitable forest fragments.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, keeping close contact in dense cover. Pairs defend territories throughout the year. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both adults participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a sharp, accelerating series of notes that cuts through the understory. Calls include dry chips and scolds when alarmed or when maintaining contact with a mate.
Plumage
Rich ferruginous (rusty) overall with darker wings and tail; plumage appears smooth and uniform in the field, with subtle dusky tones on the wings and tail.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, stems, and bamboo culms. It probes crevices and dead leaf clusters and occasionally sallies short distances to snatch prey. Not an obligate ant-follower but may take advantage of disturbed prey near small ant activity or with mixed flocks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense bamboo and vine tangles from near ground level up to the mid-understory. Often forages along narrow trails and edges within continuous cover where prey is concentrated.
