The hooded gnateater is a species of bird in the family Conopophagidae. It is endemic to northern Brazil.
Region
Eastern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Endemic to northern Brazil, primarily east of the lower Amazon in Pará and Maranhão. It inhabits terra firme and secondary lowland evergreen forests, especially dense vine tangles, bamboo patches, and thickets along edges and clearings. The species keeps to the shaded understory, typically within a few meters of the ground. It tolerates some disturbance but declines where understory structure is removed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hooded gnateater is a shy understory insect-hunter that rarely ventures far from dense thickets, making it easier to hear than to see. Males show a striking dark hood that contrasts with warm rufous-brown body tones, while females are duller and lack the full hood. It forages low, gleaning and making short sallies to snap up insects. Although locally affected by forest loss, it is not currently considered globally threatened.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through understory
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense understory. Pairs communicate with soft calls and may duet. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or vines; both sexes likely share parental duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes delivered from a low perch, often accelerating or slightly rising in pitch. Calls include soft chips and trills used for contact between mates. The song carries modestly through dense foliage but is easily localized at close range.
