The giant antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Bolivia and southwestern Brazil through Paraguay into northern Argentina, with outliers in adjacent regions. It occupies dense understory and midstory of humid and semi-humid forests, including Yungas foothill forest, Atlantic Forest remnants, gallery forest, and overgrown second growth. Frequently uses forest edges, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets, and may persist in fragmented woodlots if cover is dense. It generally keeps to shaded tangles and ravines where it moves methodically while foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The giant antshrike is the largest member of the antbird family, built with a massive, hooked bill for tackling large insects and other arthropods. It skulkes in dense thickets and bamboo, often near forest edges and along ravines, and is more often heard than seen. Pairs keep permanent territories and frequently perform loud duets. Despite the name, it is not an obligate army-ant follower, foraging independently through foliage and vine tangles.
A female giant antshrike.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain year-round territories. Nests are placed low to mid-height in dense vegetation; both sexes participate in incubation and care. Pairs frequently duet, reinforcing pair bonds and territory ownership.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, resonant series of whistles and accelerating notes, often given as coordinated duets by a pair. Also produces harsh scolds and rattling calls when agitated.
Plumage
Heavy-bodied antshrike with a long tail and strong, hooked bill; plumage shows dark slaty to blackish head and upper breast, rich rufous mantle and tail, and boldly barred black-and-white underparts. Female tends to show warmer rufous tones and slightly duller contrast than the male.
Diet
Primarily large insects and other arthropods, including beetles, orthopterans, spiders, and caterpillars. Uses its powerful bill to pry, tear, and glean from dead leaves, vine tangles, and bark crevices. May occasionally take small vertebrates when available but focuses on invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and midstory of dense forest, bamboo patches, and overgrown edges. Often works along ravines, vine clusters, and thickets where cover is thick.
