The moustached antwren is a species of small Neotropical bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru.
Region
Tropical lowlands of Panama and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with dense understory. It favors vine tangles, thickets, and the lower to mid understory, often near streams or wet areas. The species is generally tied to intact or semi-intact forest and becomes scarce in heavily degraded habitats. It can be locally common inside protected areas but is patchy where forest has been cleared.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small antbird often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through the understory as it gleans tiny insects from leaves and twigs. The 'moustached' name refers to the narrow pale malar (moustachial) stripe on the face, most evident in the male. It is typically heard before seen, giving high, thin trills and chips from dense foliage.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Appears territorial during the breeding season, with pairs remaining in a small home range. Nests are small cups placed low in shrubs or saplings, with both sexes contributing to care and typically laying two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a thin, high-pitched series of notes that accelerates into a short trill. Calls include sharp chips and sibilant tseet notes given as contact calls within mixed flocks.
Plumage
Fine, neat plumage suited to the understory, with contrasting facial pattern and subtle wingbars; males are darker and more contrasting than females, which are warmer brown above and buffy below.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. It gleans prey from the surfaces of leaves, petioles, and fine twigs, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flushed insects. It may sometimes attend army-ant swarms but more often forages independently or with mixed flocks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and vine tangles of humid forests, including secondary growth and edges. Often keeps 1–6 m above the ground, working methodically through leafy cover and along streamside thickets.
