The Magdalena antbird is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Colombia and western Venezuela
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the Magdalena River basin of Colombia and eastward into the Maracaibo lowlands of western Venezuela. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, especially dense understory near streams and in tangles. The species tolerates some secondary growth and forest edges but prefers continuous, shaded forest. It forages close to the ground and within thickets, moving quietly through viney and shrubby layers.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Magdalena antbird was formerly placed in the genus Myrmeciza but is now classified in Sipia after taxonomic revisions. It is a skulking understory specialist that often follows army ant swarms to snatch flushed arthropods. Habitat loss in the Magdalena River basin and adjacent areas has contributed to its regional decline. Pairs frequently duet, producing clear, whistled songs from dense cover.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing. Often follows army ant swarms but also forages independently, keeping to thick cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes that accelerate slightly and descend toward the end. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes exchanged between pair members. Vocalizations carry well through dense understory.
Plumage
Males are mostly dark slaty to blackish with a contrasting warmer brown mantle and small pale spotting on the wing coverts; females are rich rufous-brown above with paler, buffy underparts. Both sexes show dense, soft plumage suited to understory living. The tail is relatively long and often flicked while foraging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. It often takes prey flushed by army ants, darting to the ground or low perches to seize items. Also gleans from leaves, vines, and dead wood, and occasionally snatches small prey in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory of humid forests, streamside thickets, vine tangles, and secondary growth. Most activity occurs within 0–2 meters above ground, along trails, fallen logs, and leaf litter.
