The scalloped antbird is an Endangered species of passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in the dense understory of lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest, including humid primary forest, older secondary growth, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. It favors shaded, cluttered mid- to lower-strata and often keeps close to the ground. The species can persist in forest fragments and along riparian thickets where cover is continuous. It is rarely seen in open or heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This understory antbird is a shy, ground-hugging insect hunter of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, often detected by its rapid, descending whistles. Its name refers to the fine scalloped pattern on the underparts and the rufous tail. Habitat loss and fragmentation have caused serious declines, and it persists mainly in remaining forest fragments and reserves.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that skulk through dense understory cover, keeping low and moving deliberately. Nests are placed low and well concealed; both sexes participate in parental care. It may occasionally attend army-ant swarms to snatch flushed arthropods but more often forages independently.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, descending series of clear whistles that accelerates slightly, often delivered from hidden perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolds when disturbed, and pairs may engage in brief duets.
Plumage
Compact antbird with fine scalloping on the breast and underparts and a warm rufous tail. Males are darker with more contrasting blackish and buff scalloping; females are warmer brown with buffy scalloping and paler throat. Feathers appear crisp and scaly-patterned under good light.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from leaf litter, low foliage, and vine tangles. It picks prey from surfaces and probes among dead leaves and bamboo. When available, it may take advantage of army-ant swarms to capture fleeing invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded, dense understory of humid forest, especially tangles, bamboo patches, and along streamside thickets. Avoids open edges and spends most time within continuous cover.
