The silvery-cheeked antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Northeast Brazil
Typical Environment
Found across the Caatinga ecoregion, a mosaic of dry thorn scrub, deciduous woodland, and gallery vegetation. It favors dense, spiny thickets and edges, often near seasonal watercourses. The species tolerates moderately degraded habitats and secondary growth, provided sufficient shrub cover remains. It typically forages from near ground level up to mid-story, moving through tangles and low canopies. Occurs patchily where suitable scrub persists.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known historically as the Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, this species is now widely called the Caatinga Antshrike. It inhabits Brazil’s semi-arid Caatinga, where pairs often duet to advertise territory. Males show a distinctive silvery-gray cheek contrasting with dark plumage, aiding quick field identification. It forages methodically in thorny scrub, gleaning insects from twigs and leaves.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain year-round territories. Pairs frequently duet, responding quickly to each other’s calls. Nests are shallow cups placed low in shrubs or small trees, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes often delivered as a coordinated duet between male and female. Calls include sharp chips and rattling scolds given when alarmed. The song carries well through dense scrub.
Plumage
Male is mostly dark with a small crest and conspicuous silvery-gray cheeks, accented by bold white wing bars; female is warm rufous-brown with paler underparts and more subdued wing markings. Both sexes have a stout, hooked bill and relatively long tail for an antshrike.
Diet
Primarily arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, orthopterans, and spiders. It forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and may make short sallies to snatch prey. Occasionally takes small vertebrates or other invertebrates when available. Feeding is methodical, with pauses to scan from interior perches.
Preferred Environment
Dense thorn scrub, caatinga woodland edges, and tangled secondary growth. Often works mid-level tangles and lower branches, sometimes near dry streambeds or gallery thickets.
