The plain-winged antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Venezuela, and possibly Suriname.
Region
Northern Amazon and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland forests across northern Amazonia, including parts of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, and possibly Suriname. It uses terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, often along rivers, oxbow lakes, and forest edges. The species favors dense understory and midstory with vine tangles and second-growth thickets. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks moving through the lower to middle strata.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its unmarked wings, the plain-winged antwren is a small antbird of the Amazon and Guiana Shield forests. It often forages in mixed-species flocks, gleaning tiny insects from foliage and vine tangles. Unlike some antbirds, it is not an obligate army-ant follower, though it may forage near ant swarms opportunistically.
Temperament
active but somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and frequently integrates into mixed-species foraging flocks. Likely monogamous; the nest is a small cup placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation. Both parents typically participate in incubation and feeding of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes that may accelerate into a short trill. Calls include sharp chip and tsit notes used to maintain contact within pairs and flocks.
Plumage
Small antwren with notably plain wings lacking strong wingbars; compact, fine-plumaged appearance. Male tends to be gray to dusky above with paler gray underparts; female is warmer brown above with buffy to ochraceous underparts. Both sexes show subtle, diffuse markings rather than bold streaks or spots.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects and spiders, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It makes short sallies to snatch prey and inspects curled leaves and dead foliage. Occasionally forages near army-ant swarms but is not an obligate follower.
Preferred Environment
Understory to midstory of humid lowland forests, especially along edges, gaps, and second-growth patches. Often forages in shaded thickets, vine tangles, and along riparian corridors.
