The Manu antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforest of Peru, northern Bolivia, and adjacent western Brazil. It is most frequently found in dense understory, especially bamboo stands, river-edge thickets, and secondary growth. The species keeps close to the ground to mid-understory, moving through vine tangles and bamboo culms. It generally avoids open habitats and heavily disturbed areas, favoring humid forest interiors and edges with dense cover.
Altitude Range
150–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for Peru’s Manu region, this antbird is a shy understory specialist of southwestern Amazonia. It often favors dense Guadua bamboo thickets and can join mixed-species flocks, but it is not an obligate army-ant follower. Pairs typically maintain year-round territories and communicate with clear, whistled songs.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights
Social Behavior
Usually found as pairs or small family groups in dense understory. Pairs defend territories year-round and often duet. They sometimes join mixed-species understory flocks and may attend, but do not rely on, army-ant swarms. Nests are typically placed low in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled series that may accelerate or slightly descend, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolds when agitated.
Plumage
Male is mostly slaty to dark gray with a slightly darker face and throat and contrasting pale wingbars; female is warm rufous-brown above with paler, buffy underparts and faint wingbars. Both sexes have relatively plain tails and smooth, unspotted underparts typical of many antbirds.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, bamboo culms, and vines. It also makes short sallies to snatch prey from the air or ground. Occasionally forages near army-ant swarms to capture flushed insects.
Preferred Environment
Dense bamboo thickets, vine tangles, and shaded understory along forest edges and river corridors. Foraging occurs from near ground level up to the mid-understory where cover is thick.
