The predicted antwren is an insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Amazonian Brazil.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Endemic to northwestern Amazonian Brazil, where it occupies terra firme and white-sand (campinarana/campina) forests. It is most often encountered in the midstory to canopy, moving rapidly through foliage while foraging. The species favors well-drained forest away from seasonally flooded várzea, though it can use edges and transitional zones. It frequently occurs with mixed-species flocks, especially in more open-canopy white-sand forest. Human access is limited in much of its range, so it is likely under-recorded.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Predicted antwren was described only recently and was humorously named because its existence had been anticipated based on patterns in related species. It is a small canopy antbird that forages actively in pairs and often joins mixed-species flocks. Like many Herpsilochmus, males and females differ markedly in plumage. Its vocalizations are important for identification in dense Amazonian forest.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; agile canopy flier
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain small territories and regularly participate in mixed-species flocks. Pairs keep close contact with soft calls while moving through the canopy. Nesting is poorly known but, like congeners, is presumed to involve small cup nests and biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, high-pitched series of thin notes or trills, accelerating slightly and then trailing off. Calls are sharp, sibilant ticks used for contact within pairs and to keep position in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Small, slim antwren with strong sexual dichromatism; feathers are neat and close-textured, giving a smooth, clean appearance. Male shows crisp contrasting tones with distinct wing bars; female is warmer and browner with buffy underparts and paler eyebrow. Both sexes have short, rounded wings and a relatively long tail often flicked while foraging.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including ants, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and by brief sallies to capture flushed prey. Often exploits the movements of mixed flocks to disturb insects and increase foraging success.
Preferred Environment
Midstory to canopy of terra firme and white-sand forests, especially along edges, gaps, and light-filled crown foliage. Frequently forages along outer branches and vine tangles where prey is accessible.
