The rufous-capped antthrush is a small species of bird in the family Formicariidae located in the order Passeriformes. It is considered to be uncommon but widespread, found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. The rufous-capped antthrush is typically found inhabiting the shady floor of tall, humid forests on solid ground, and is occasionally spotted in transitional forests (várzea) and savanna forests (Suriname).
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland evergreen rainforest, especially mature terra firme forest with dense, shady understory. Prefers solid ground on the forest floor, using trails, root tangles, and fallen logs as cover while foraging. It also enters transitional and seasonally flooded forests (várzea) and locally uses semi-open savanna-forest edges in parts of the Guianas. It is typically absent from heavily degraded habitats and open agricultural landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often heard more than seen, the rufous-capped antthrush gives a clear, far-carrying whistle from deep within the understory. It walks with an upright posture across the leaf litter rather than hopping, pausing to flick leaves aside. Though it may attend army-ant swarms opportunistically, it is not an obligate ant follower. Its secretive habits make it appear uncommon even where it is widespread.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats just above the ground; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories on the forest floor. Nests are placed low or near the ground and both adults likely share parental duties. Courtship and territory advertisement are primarily vocal, with birds remaining concealed while calling.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a clear, whistled note repeated at steady intervals, often sounding ventriloquial in dense forest. The series may accelerate slightly or descend in pitch. Calls include soft chips and sharp whistles used in contact or alarm.
Plumage
Compact, round-bodied antthrush with dark olive-brown upperparts, a rich rufous crown and nape, and paler grayish throat and upper breast blending to warm buff-brown below. Tail is very short, giving a stubby, almost tailless look. Feathers appear smooth and plain, with minimal streaking or barring.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and small orthopterans gleaned from leaf litter. It probes and flicks leaves aside with the bill to expose hidden prey. Occasionally takes small vertebrates or other invertebrates when available. Will sometimes forage near army-ant swarms to capture flushed prey but does so opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors, along fallen logs, buttress roots, and quiet trails. Keeps close to dense cover and avoids open ground, moving methodically through leaf litter.
