The rufous-winged antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Cerrado of central Brazil and extends into eastern Bolivia and northern Paraguay, favoring dry savanna, scrub, and woodland edges. It uses dense shrub layers, gallery-forest borders, and cerrado sensu stricto with scattered trees. The species also occupies second-growth thickets and disturbed edges if enough undergrowth remains. It typically forages from near ground level to the mid-story, keeping to cover.
Altitude Range
100–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufous-winged antshrike is a shrike-like antbird of the Cerrado and adjacent dry woodlands, typically seen in pairs keeping close contact with soft duets. Its conspicuous rufous wing panel flashes when it flicks or fans its wings while foraging in shrubs. It is a year-round resident and holds territories, often along scrubby edges and second-growth. Although locally common in suitable habitat, it depends on intact shrub layers within the savanna mosaic.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct hops between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain year-round territories and keep close contact while foraging. Nests are small cups placed low to mid-height in dense shrubs. Pairs often duet and may perform wing-flicking displays within territories. They seldom join large mixed-species flocks, preferring dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes given as a duet, with the pair alternating phrases. Calls include sharp chips and scolding rattles delivered from within cover.
