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Overview
Peruvian warbling antbird

Peruvian warbling antbird

Wikipedia

The Peruvian warbling antbird or Peruvian antwarbler, is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Western Amazon Basin

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid lowland forests of Peru, western Brazil, eastern Ecuador, southeastern Colombia, and northern Bolivia. It inhabits terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, edges, and secondary growth with dense understory. The species is especially frequent in vine tangles and Guadua bamboo stands along streams and river margins. It tends to avoid very open habitats, remaining in shaded, cluttered microhabitats. Local presence is often detected by its characteristic duets rather than by direct views.

Altitude Range

100–900 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size12–14 cm
Wing Span18–22 cm
Male Weight0.015 kg
Female Weight0.014 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This small antbird is part of a complex once lumped under the Warbling Antbird but now recognized as a distinct species based on voice and plumage. Pairs often perform precise antiphonal duets, with male and female delivering alternating notes. It forages low in the understory and is frequently associated with bamboo thickets. Though it may attend army-ant swarms, it is not an obligate ant follower.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
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Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found as pairs that maintain territories year-round. Pairs stay in close contact while foraging low in dense understory and often join mixed-species flocks. Nest is a small open cup placed low in vegetation; both sexes participate in breeding duties.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A clear, musical series of whistles and warbles, often accelerating and rising slightly. Duets are common, with male and female alternating phrases that interlock rhythmically. Calls include sharp chips given during agitation or contact.

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