The plumbeous antvireo is a Vulnerable species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Southeastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Found in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous Atlantic Forest, especially in well-preserved lowland and foothill tracts. It frequents dense understory, vine tangles, and forest edges, occasionally using secondary growth if structure is complex. The species typically forages from near ground level up to the midstory. It may occur in bamboo and along forested stream corridors where cover is thick. Fragmentation reduces its presence in small, degraded patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Plumbeous Antvireo is a shy understory insect-hunter of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Pairs often keep close contact with soft calls and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. It typically gleans insects from foliage and vine tangles rather than pursuing flying prey. Conservation of lowland and foothill evergreen forest remnants is key to its survival.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that maintain small territories and keep close contact while foraging. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory to midstory. The nest is a small suspended cup placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sharp, slightly descending whistles delivered at a steady pace. Calls include dry ticks and soft contact notes used between pair members.
