The jet antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.
Region
Panama and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama through northern and western Colombia into northwestern Venezuela and locally in western Ecuador. Prefers humid lowland and foothill forests, especially dense second growth, vine tangles, and forest edges. Often found along streams, in thickets, and at forest clearings with tangled understory. It keeps close to the ground or mid-understory, moving through shaded vegetation. Human-modified habitats with dense shrub layers can also be used where cover is adequate.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The jet antbird is a member of the antbird family, often keeping to dense understory where it is more often heard than seen. Pairs maintain territories year-round and communicate with a loud, ringing duet. It sometimes attends army-ant swarms to snatch flushed insects but is not an obligate follower.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain permanent territories in dense understory. Nests are small, suspended or cup-like structures placed low in shrubs or vine tangles; both sexes participate in nesting duties. It occasionally joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges and may attend army-ant swarms opportunistically.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, ringing series of whistled notes that can accelerate or rise slightly in pitch, often given as antiphonal duets by a pair. Calls include sharp chips and scolds delivered from concealed perches.
