The ringed antpipit is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Northern and central South America (Amazon Basin and Guianas)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland tropical forests from Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas through much of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Prefers humid terra firme and várzea rainforest with dense understory, also using forest edges and tall secondary growth. Typically found on or near the forest floor, moving through leaf litter and low shrubs. It is absent from the southern cone countries such as Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A ground-loving tyrant flycatcher, the ringed antpipit behaves more like an antbird than a typical flycatcher. Its name refers to the contrasting dark breast band that forms a “ring” across the upper chest. It often stays low and hidden on the forest floor, where it is more easily detected by voice than sight. Individuals sometimes attend army-ant swarms to seize flushed insects.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, short hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping close to the forest floor. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and the male sings from low perches. Both parents are believed to participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles, often delivered from a low, shaded perch. Phrases can be repeated in a steady cadence and carry well through the understory.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with slightly warmer brown wings and faint buffy wingbars; underparts pale buff to whitish with a contrasting dark breast band and white throat.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods including ants, beetles, spiders, and other insects. Gleans prey from leaf litter and low vegetation and makes short sallies to grab moving targets. Occasionally attends army-ant swarms to capture flushed insects. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pauses and short dashes.
Preferred Environment
Shaded forest floor, along trails, edges, and in dense understory or bamboo thickets. Often stays within a meter or two of the ground, using low perches and fallen logs.
