The ornate stipplethroat, formerly called the ornate antwren, is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western and southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and foothill rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and western Brazil. It favors terra firme and foothill evergreen forests with abundant vine tangles and dead-leaf clusters. Commonly occupies the lower to mid understory, including forest edges and bamboo thickets. It is generally absent from heavily degraded habitats but can persist in selectively logged forests with intact understory structure.
Altitude Range
100–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known historically as the ornate antwren, this tiny antbird specializes in gleaning insects from curled dead leaves in the forest understory. It often forages in pairs and regularly joins mixed-species flocks. Males and females look markedly different, with males showing a speckled throat and females rich rufous tones. Its song is a thin, high-pitched series of notes that can be hard to locate in dense foliage.
Wildsumaco Lodge - Ecuador
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between low perches
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species understory flocks. Both sexes participate in nesting and territory defense. Nests are small, suspended or cup-like structures placed low in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of rapid notes and short trills, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include soft chips and whispers that blend into mixed-flock chatter.
Plumage
Fine, dense speckling on the throat (more pronounced in males), with subtle wingbars and a short rounded tail; overall delicate, compact appearance suited to understory gleaning.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from dead leaves, leaf litter, and fine twigs. Often inspects clusters of curled leaves, prying and probing with its fine bill. May occasionally sally short distances to snatch flushed prey. Only opportunistically attends army-ant swarms, relying mostly on meticulous gleaning.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and lower midstory of mature forest, vine tangles, and bamboo patches. Frequently follows mixed-species flocks along edges and gaps where dead-leaf clusters are abundant.
