The rufous-tailed stipplethroat, formerly called the rufous-tailed antwren, is a species of insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill humid forests of western Amazonia, including northeastern Peru, eastern Ecuador, southeastern Colombia, and northwestern Brazil. Prefers dense understory of terra firme forest but also uses seasonally flooded várzea, edge thickets, vine tangles, and bamboo patches. Commonly forages 1–6 m above ground, especially among clusters of dead leaves where prey is concealed. It is patchy but can be locally fairly common in intact habitats.
Altitude Range
100–1100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny understory antbird, the rufous-tailed stipplethroat often travels with mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage and clusters of dead leaves. Its warm rufous tail is a key field mark in the dim Amazonian forest. The species was formerly known as the rufous-tailed antwren before being placed in the genus Epinecrophylla. It builds a small domed nest low in vegetation with a side entrance.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species understory flocks. Territorial pairs maintain contact with soft calls while foraging. Nests are small, domed structures placed low in shrubs or saplings with a side entrance, and both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of tinkling notes or trills, often accelerating slightly. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Fine, stippled throat pattern with overall brown-olive upperparts and paler underparts; tail distinctly rufous. Throat shows tiny white speckling, more contrasting in males; faint wing markings may be present. Underparts are dull buff to grayish with subtle mottling.
Diet
Primarily eats small arthropods such as spiders, beetles, caterpillars, and other insects. Gleans prey from leaf surfaces and probes clusters of dead leaves, often hanging acrobatically to inspect concealed items. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flushed prey and may opportunistically attend army-ant swarms, though it is not an obligate follower.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory of mature terra firme and várzea forests, along edges, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. Most activity occurs within dense cover 1–6 m above the ground, often in mixed-species flocks that move steadily through a territory.
