The grey antbird 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 and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. It favors dense understory in terra firme and river-edge forests, vine tangles, bamboo, and secondary growth. Often found near forest edges and along shaded streams where cover is thick. Regularly attends army-ant swarms opportunistically and forages quietly within a few meters of the ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey antbird is a shy understory specialist that often accompanies army-ant swarms to snatch flushed insects, though it is not an obligate ant follower. Pairs maintain year-round territories and frequently perform duets. Its preference for dense thickets makes it more often heard than seen.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs that defend small territories year-round. Nests are open cups placed low in dense vegetation. Pairs often duet, and both sexes may participate in nest defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, accelerating whistles that may end in a harsher note; pairs often deliver coordinated duets. Calls include sharp chips and scolds given from cover.
Plumage
Males are mostly uniform slate-grey with slightly darker face and tail; females are warmer brown to rufous-brown above with paler buffy underparts. Both sexes have subtle pale spotting or edging on the wing coverts and a dusky tail. Plumage is soft and unpatterned overall, aiding camouflage in shadowy understory.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles near the ground. Frequently sallies to the ground or low perches to seize prey flushed by movement. Opportunistically attends army-ant swarms to capture fleeing insects but also forages independently.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of mature and secondary lowland forest, especially near edges, streams, and bamboo thickets. Forages within 0–3 m of the ground, using cover to remain concealed.
