The hairy-crested antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western and southern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforests of the Amazon in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It favors mature terra firme forest with dense understory and also uses tall secondary forests. Most frequently encountered at or near active army ant swarms on the forest floor. It generally avoids heavily fragmented habitats and open edges, remaining inside shaded interior forest.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A specialist ant-follower, the hairy-crested antbird relies on swarms of army ants to flush out insects from the leaf litter, which it then snatches. Its shaggy, hair-like crest gives the species its name and is most conspicuous when excited. It typically moves in pairs or small family groups, often alongside other ant-following birds. Like many antbirds, it is secretive and keeps to dense understory.
Temperament
secretive and territorial in pairs; highly active at ant swarms
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family parties, often accompanying mixed-species aggregations around army ant swarms. Territorial calls and displays occur near feeding sites, and pairs maintain contact with soft calls. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes likely share incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizes with dry, buzzy notes and short accelerating trills delivered from low perches. Alarm and contact calls are sharp chips given while moving with ant swarms.
Plumage
Mostly dark brown to dusky with subtle mottling on the body and a distinctive shaggy, hair-like crest on the crown.
Diet
Primarily arthropods such as insects and spiders flushed by army ants from the leaf litter. It snaps prey from the ground or low vegetation, seldom consuming the ants themselves. Occasionally takes small vertebrates when available. Foraging is opportunistic and closely tied to the presence and movement of ant swarms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded understory and on or just above the forest floor, especially along ant-swarm fronts. Uses saplings, fallen logs, and low branches as vantage points to sally or pounce on prey.
