Klages's antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombia–Venezuela)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid lowland and foothill forests on the Colombia–Venezuela border region, including the Serranía del Perijá and adjacent foothills. Prefers dense understory, vine tangles, and secondary growth near forest edges and along streams. It is a terrestrial to near-ground forager that keeps to shaded thickets and avoids open habitats. It may also use selectively logged or regenerating forest if sufficient understory cover remains.
Altitude Range
100–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the American collector Samuel M. Klages, this elusive understory antbird is heard more often than seen. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests of northeastern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, where it forages close to the ground. Like many antbirds, it sometimes attends army-ant swarms to catch flushed insects. Ongoing habitat loss within its small range is the main conservation concern.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs within dense understory, where it maintains year-round territories. Nests are placed low, often close to the ground in thick vegetation. Both sexes are thought to share incubation and nestling care, as in many antbirds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled phrases and chatter-like notes delivered from concealed perches. Songs are simple, repetitive, and carry well through dense vegetation.
