Sclater's antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland rainforests of eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil. It favors the dense understory of terra firme forest and also uses seasonally flooded várzea and edge habitats with vine tangles. Birds frequently move through bamboo thickets (Guadua) and thickets along streams. Typically found in shaded, humid interiors where visibility is low.
Altitude Range
100–700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sclater's antwren is a small understory antbird named after the British ornithologist Philip L. Sclater. It often forages in mixed-species flocks, where its quick movements and thin, high-pitched trills give it away. The species shows marked sexual dimorphism, with darker, more contrasting males and warmer-toned females. It is considered of low conservation concern but depends on intact lowland rainforest.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs that join mixed-species flocks moving through the understory and mid-understory. Nests are small cups placed low in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft contact calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of thin, high-pitched notes that may accelerate into a light trill. Calls include sharp chips and sibilant tsss notes, often given while moving with flocks.
