The grey-bellied antbird is a species of passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield margins
Typical Environment
Occurs locally in northern Amazonian lowlands of Brazil, southeastern Venezuela, and eastern Colombia. It favors white-sand (campina/campinarana) forests, blackwater igapó edges, and dense riverine thickets. The species keeps to the shaded understory, typically below 2 m, where it moves through vine tangles and fallen logs. It is patchy but can be fairly common where suitable habitat is extensive. Occasional records come from adjacent terra firme with dense undergrowth.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-bellied antbird is a shy understory specialist of the northern Amazon Basin, often tied to white-sand (campinarana) and blackwater river-edge forests. Pairs frequently duet, delivering coordinated songs from dense cover. It forages low, occasionally attending army-ant swarms but is not an obligate follower. Some authorities place it in the monotypic genus Ammonastes following taxonomic revisions of Myrmeciza.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or family groups, maintaining year-round territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low, typically close to the ground in thick vegetation. They are monogamous and coordinate movements with soft contact calls. Pairs often engage in antiphonal duets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a clear, ringing series of whistles that accelerates slightly, often delivered as a duet between pair members. Calls include dry chips and sharp tchik notes given while foraging in cover.
