The northern white-fringed antwren is an insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in mainland Colombia and Venezuela, on the Pearl Islands of Panama, and on the islands of Tobago and Margarita.
Region
Northern South America and the southern Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern Colombia and Venezuela, on Panama’s Pearl Islands, and on the islands of Tobago and Margarita. It favors dry to semi-humid lowlands with thorn scrub, coastal and gallery thickets, and edges of deciduous forest. It also uses second-growth, mangrove margins, and brushy pastures. Typically found in dense understory or shrubby habitats where it can forage low and stay concealed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite the name, this antbird rarely follows army ants; it mostly gleans small arthropods from foliage and twigs. The 'white-fringed' part refers to the crisp white edging on the wing coverts, most conspicuous in males. Pairs are highly territorial and deliver tight antiphonal duets, with male and female alternating notes so closely they sound like a single bird. It occurs both on the mainland and several nearby islands including Tobago, Margarita, and Panama’s Pearl Islands.
Temperament
secretive but active; strongly territorial in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low hops between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found as solitary pairs that maintain year-round territories and often move with tails cocked while foraging low. Pair bonds are strong, and members keep contact with soft calls and duets. Nest is a small cup placed low in dense shrubs or grasses; they typically raise small clutches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Pairs perform tight antiphonal duets: the male gives a rapid, thin, accelerating series of notes and the female interleaves sharper chips or trills. Calls are dry ticks and soft churrs, often given from inside cover.
