The lunulated antbird is a species of insectivorous bird in the subfamily Thamnophilinae of the family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid terra firme and foothill evergreen forests on the east Andean slope of Ecuador and into northern Peru. It is most often found in dense understory and along gentle ridges and slopes with thick leaf litter. The species closely tracks the movements of army-ant swarms and ranges within mature forest interiors more than along edges. It favors structurally complex understories with abundant vine tangles and saplings.
Altitude Range
200–1100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An obligate army-ant follower, the lunulated antbird forages by seizing insects and other arthropods that fleeing ants flush from the leaf litter. It typically attends raiding swarms in pairs and can be quite territorial around a productive swarm. The species’ name refers to the crescent-shaped (“lunulated”) markings on its plumage. It inhabits humid foothill and lowland forests of eastern Ecuador and northern Peru.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, closely attending army-ant swarms and defending access to them against rivals. Nests are placed low in dense understory vegetation; both sexes participate in nesting duties. Outside of breeding, pairs remain together within a stable territory centered on reliable foraging areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes that rise slightly and then taper, delivered from low perches in the understory. Calls include sharp chip and chack notes used to keep contact while maneuvering around ant swarms.
Plumage
Dusky to blackish overall with pale buff to whitish crescent-shaped markings (“lunules”) on the breast and sides; wings and back subtly scalloped. Females tend to be browner with warmer, rufescent tones on the underparts and more evident buff crescents. Plumage appears matte with fine pale edging on some feathers, giving a lightly scaled impression at close range.
Diet
Primarily captures insects and other arthropods such as beetles, spiders, and orthopterans flushed by army ants. Opportunistically takes small invertebrates from leaf litter and low vegetation. Very rarely, it may snatch small vertebrates or consume soft-bodied prey when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the forest floor in dense, mature evergreen forest, especially where army-ant swarms are active. Often works slightly ahead of or beside the swarm front, darting to seize fleeing prey.
