The Rondonia warbling antbird or Rondonia antwarbler, is a Vulnerable species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia and Brazil.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in southwestern Amazonia of Brazil (especially Rondônia and adjacent Mato Grosso) and northern Bolivia (e.g., Pando). It inhabits the shaded understory of humid terra firme and seasonally flooded forest, as well as secondary growth. The species is frequently associated with vine tangles, bamboo (Guadua) thickets, and streamside vegetation. It forages close to the ground up to mid‑understory levels, often within dense cover. Although mainly a forest interior bird, it can persist in selectively logged forest if sufficient understory remains.
Altitude Range
100–700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This antbird is one of several species split from the former Warbling Antbird complex based on vocal and plumage differences. Pairs often perform tightly coordinated duets, a hallmark of many antbirds. It is threatened by rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation across Rondônia and adjacent lowland Bolivia.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that maintain year‑round territories in dense understory. Pairs engage in antiphonal duets and remain in close contact while foraging. Nests are low, cup‑shaped structures hidden in thick vegetation, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A musical, rippling series of clear whistles that rises and falls in pitch, often delivered as coordinated duets between mates. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while moving through dense cover.
Plumage
Male has slate‑gray upperparts with a darker, mottled blackish throat and breast, and crisp white wingbars; underparts are pale gray to whitish with fine spotting. Female is warmer brown above with rich ochraceous to buff underparts and less contrasting mottling, also showing two white wingbars. Both sexes have short, rounded wings and a relatively long tail for an antbird.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Forages by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and dead leaf clusters, and occasionally sallies a short distance to snatch flushed prey. It may opportunistically attend small ant swarms but is not an obligate ant follower.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the shaded understory of intact and lightly disturbed rainforest, especially where vine tangles and bamboo provide cover. Often forages along stream margins and in dense second growth near forest edges.
