The grey-headed antbird is a near threatened species of bird in the subfamily Thamnophilinae of the family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Andean foothills of Ecuador and northern Peru
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern Andean slopes in humid evergreen foothill forest, where it favors dense understory, vine tangles, and especially bamboo thickets. It keeps close to the ground to mid-understory, typically within shaded, cluttered microhabitats. The species has a patchy distribution tied to suitable understory structure and is often local even within continuous forest. It is most frequently encountered along streams, landslides, and forest edges where secondary growth creates dense cover.
Altitude Range
300–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-headed antbird is a shy understory specialist of humid foothill forests in Ecuador and Peru. It is often detected by its duet-like song rather than seen, moving low in dense thickets and bamboo. Though an antbird, it is not a strict army-ant follower and forages by gleaning insects from foliage and vine tangles. Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation within its limited range have led to conservation concern.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through the understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain small territories. Pairs often duet and coordinate movements through cover. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes are thought to share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes often given as coordinated duets between pair members. Calls include sharp chips and soft rattles used to maintain contact in dense cover.
