The foothill stipplethroat, previously called the foothill antwren, is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid foothill forests along the east slope of the Andes, typically in mature forest and well-developed secondary growth. It keeps to the lower to mid understory, often near edges, slopes, and along streams. The species is most frequently detected by voice as it forages within dense foliage. It commonly associates with mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through tangles and viney thickets.
Altitude Range
400–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known historically as the foothill antwren, this tiny antbird belongs to the stipplethroats (genus Epinecrophylla), a group noted for intricate throat patterning. It is a dead-leaf gleaning specialist, prying insects from curled leaves in the forest understory. Pairs often accompany mixed-species flocks, staying low and moving quickly through dense vegetation.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between low perches
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species understory flocks. Builds a small, suspended cup or pouch-like nest placed low in dense cover. Both parents typically tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, thin, high-pitched trill or series of sharp notes that accelerates slightly. Calls are delicate tsit or seep notes given frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Compact antbird with a finely patterned, stippled throat and plain, warm brown to rufescent upperparts. Underparts are buffy to grayish with subtle scaling; wings and tail are relatively short. Males show more pronounced white speckling on a darker throat, while females tend to have paler throats with finer scaling.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and larvae. Specializes in gleaning prey from curled dead leaves, suspended litter, and tangled understory foliage. Occasionally hover-gleans and probes vine clusters and mossy substrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory of humid foothill forest, especially along trails, edges, and streamside thickets. Often moves with mixed-species flocks, exploiting disturbed foliage flushed by other birds.
