The Inambari gnatcatcher is a species of bird in the family Polioptilidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
It inhabits lowland terra firme and lightly flooded forest, often favoring edges, vine tangles, and bamboo-dominated thickets. Birds move through the understory and midstory, gleaning small arthropods from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallying to catch flying insects. It readily uses second-growth and forest gaps where light penetration increases insect activity. The species commonly associates with mixed-species foraging flocks, which increases foraging efficiency and predator awareness.
Altitude Range
100–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Inambari gnatcatcher is a tiny, hyperactive insect-hunter that flits through the understory and midstory of southwestern Amazonian forests. It has been recognized by some authorities as a distinct species within the Tropical Gnatcatcher complex. Pairs often keep in contact with fine, high-pitched calls while foraging, and they frequently join mixed-species flocks. Its name refers to the Inambari region of southwestern Amazonia.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that keep close contact while foraging. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory and midstory. Nests are small cups placed in branch forks, and pairs are presumed monogamous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very thin, high-pitched sibilant notes and short trills that can be hard to locate. Contact calls are fine tsit or see notes, delivered repeatedly as birds move through foliage.
Plumage
Fine, smooth plumage with gray upperparts and whitish underparts; tail dark with contrasting white outer tail feathers. Males show darker head tones, females are paler and browner-tinged above. Both sexes have a clean, crisp look with sharp tail contrast.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It picks prey methodically while moving quickly through foliage and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Prey includes tiny beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the understory to midstory of terra firme forest, forest edges, and bamboo or vine tangles. It also uses secondary growth and light gaps where insect density is high.
