The plain-throated 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
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowland forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Prefers dense understory of terra firme forest, edges, and secondary growth, often near vine tangles and saplings. It forages from near ground level up to the mid-understory, keeping to shaded, cluttered microhabitats. Local presence can be patchy depending on understory structure but it is generally common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small antbird is an understory specialist of Amazonian lowland forests and is often detected by voice before it is seen. Despite the name, it rarely attends army-ant swarms closely, instead gleaning insects quietly in pairs. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through dense thickets.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or family groups moving low in dense cover. Frequently joins mixed-species understory flocks but maintains tight pair bonds while foraging. Nests are placed low in shrubs or vine tangles; both sexes likely share incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, rapid series of high-pitched notes that may accelerate slightly, carrying softly through the understory. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used between pair members.
Plumage
Small, plain antwren with smooth, unpatterned throat and subtly contrasting upperparts and underparts; overall appearance is neat and minimally marked. Wings show faint barring or edging; tail short and often held flicked.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, vines, and slender branches. It often picks prey from the undersides of foliage and makes short sallies to capture disturbed insects. Only occasionally does it attend army-ant swarms, and then loosely, taking flushed prey from nearby vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded, dense understory of mature and secondary forest, often near vine tangles and sapling thickets. Typically remains within a few meters of the ground, moving methodically through cover.
