The long-winged antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occupies lowland evergreen and seasonally flooded forests across much of the Amazon Basin, including terra firme and river-edge forests. It favors dense vine tangles, secondary growth, and forest edges, often near light gaps and along streams. Typically forages in the understory to midstory but can move higher when traveling with mixed flocks. It avoids very open habitats and heavily degraded areas. The species is largely non-migratory across its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small antbird of the Amazon Basin, the long-winged antwren is frequently found in pairs that join mixed-species flocks as they forage. Despite the family name, it is not an obligate ant follower and primarily gleans small arthropods from foliage. Its relatively long wings and short tail give it a distinct silhouette as it flits through tangles. It is widespread and currently considered of low conservation concern.
Temperament
active but shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Territorial pairs maintain contact with soft calls as they move through dense understory. Nesting involves a small, suspended cup placed low in vegetation, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of notes or a rapid, buzzy trill that can be difficult to locate in dense foliage. Calls include sharp tsit and soft contact notes used between foraging partners.
Plumage
Sexually dimorphic. The male is mostly dark slate to blackish with contrasting pale wingbars and crisp edging on the wing feathers, giving a clean, high-contrast look. The female is warm brown to olive-buff above with paler buffy underparts and lighter wingbars. Both sexes show relatively long wings and a short tail, with fine, pointed bills for gleaning.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Prey is typically gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects and increases foraging efficiency by joining mixed-species flocks. It is not an obligate follower of army ants but may take advantage of disturbed prey when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory to midstory of humid lowland forest, along edges, and in second-growth thickets. Often works through vine tangles, sapling stands, and along streamside vegetation where insect abundance is high.
