The Sincora antwren is a small Endangered Species of passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to a small area of eastern Brazil.
Region
Eastern Brazil (Chapada Diamantina)
Typical Environment
This species is confined to quartzite and sandstone ridges and slopes within the Serra do Sincorá of the Chapada Diamantina. It favors low, stunted shrublands and rocky scrub known as campos rupestres, often with Vellozia, cacti, and scattered bromeliads. Birds forage in dense shrubs from near ground level up to a few meters, sometimes along edges of gallery vegetation. The range is highly fragmented and susceptible to burning, grazing, and tourism-related disturbance.
Altitude Range
800–1500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sincorá antwren is a small antbird restricted to the rocky campos rupestres of the Serra do Sincorá in Bahia, Brazil. Males and females look very different, with males mostly dark and sharply contrasted and females warmer brown. It was only described to science in the early 2000s and is highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and recurrent fires. Its specialized habitat preference makes range expansion unlikely, emphasizing the need for local protection.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups within a defined territory. Nests are placed low in shrubs, with both sexes likely participating in care. It keeps to dense cover and rarely joins mixed-species flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched notes that accelerate into a brief trill. Calls include sharp tsip notes used for contact between pair members.
Plumage
Strongly sexually dimorphic; males are dark with sharp white fringes on wings and tail, females are warm brown above with buffy underparts and pale edging on wings.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark, and may make short sallies to snatch flushed insects. Foraging is methodical and close to cover.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in low, dense shrubs and rocky scrub of campos rupestres, often on exposed ridges and slopes. Occasionally forages along ecotones with caatinga or gallery vegetation.
