The serra antwren is a species of small insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to southeastern Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Found in the foothills and lower montane slopes of the Serra do Mar and nearby ranges in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais. It inhabits dense second growth, forest edges, restinga scrub, and shrubby clearings within the Atlantic Forest biome. The species keeps close to the ground to mid‑understory, typically within tangled thickets and along forest margins. It tolerates some disturbance but depends on structurally dense vegetation. Fragmented habitats can support small, isolated populations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small antbird is confined to the Atlantic Forest and adjacent shrublands of southeastern Brazil, where it forages low in dense vegetation. Pairs often remain together year‑round and engage in coordinated duets. It is a shy, skulking species that responds to pishing and playback, making it easier to detect than to see. Habitat loss and fragmentation in the Atlantic Forest are its main pressures.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and often maintains year‑round territories. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs or vines, with both sexes participating in care. The species rarely joins mixed-species flocks, preferring to work methodically through tangles and thickets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, dry series of sharp notes or trills delivered from concealed perches, often as antiphonal duets between pair members. Calls include brisk chips and rattles given while foraging in dense cover.
Plumage
Compact antwren with short rounded wings, a fairly long tail, and bold wing bars; sexes are distinctly dimorphic. Male shows darker gray to blackish tones with clean contrasting markings, while the female is warmer brownish-rufous above with buffy underparts. Both sexes display crisp white wing bars and a subtly streaked or mottled breast.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch insects. Foraging is deliberate and low to mid‑understory, frequently within a meter or two of the ground.
Preferred Environment
Dense shrub layers, overgrown edges, restinga scrub, and regenerating second growth with abundant vine tangles. It favors structurally complex understory where it can move quickly under cover.
