The rufous-backed stipplethroat is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. In its complex taxonomic history, Epinecrophylla haematonota has also been called the rufous-backed antwren, stipple-throated antwren, Napo stipple-throated antwren, and western stipple-throated antwren.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and foothill rainforests of Brazil (western Amazon), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and southern Venezuela. It favors dense understory in terra firme forest, but also uses seasonally flooded várzea and edges near streams. Birds often concentrate in patches with vine tangles, bamboo, and leaf-littered thickets. It is most frequently encountered inside mature forest but will venture into semi-forested mosaics where cover remains. Local abundance varies with understory density and microhabitat structure.
Altitude Range
0–1100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small antbird of the understory, the rufous-backed stipplethroat belongs to the Thamnophilidae and is named for the male’s finely spotted, or “stippled,” throat. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks and actively gleans insects from foliage and dead leaf clusters. The species has a complex taxonomic history and has been known by several English names. Sexes differ subtly in throat pattern and tone, aiding field identification at close range.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and regularly accompanies mixed-species understory flocks. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with soft contact notes. Nesting is in low, well-concealed structures in dense understory; both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, dry series of sibilant notes or a rapid high-pitched trill that accelerates slightly. Calls include soft chips and whispers used to keep contact within pairs and mixed flocks.
Plumage
Compact antwren with warm rufous back and wings contrasting with darker head and underparts; throat appears finely spotted (“stippled”), especially in males. Underparts are dusky to grayish with subtle mottling, and wings often show faint barring. Tail is short and often cocked slightly while foraging.
Diet
Primarily hunts small arthropods such as insects and spiders. It gleans from leaves, twigs, and dead leaf clusters, often inspecting suspended leaf litter with quick, precise movements. Occasionally sallies a short distance to pick prey from foliage and may opportunistically join ant swarms but is not an obligate follower. Foraging is active and methodical at low heights.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory of terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, especially in vine tangles and bamboo thickets. Often along shaded stream margins and at forest edges with sufficient cover.
