The southern antpipit is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Eastern and south-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill forests of Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. It occupies primary and well-developed secondary humid forests, gallery forests in savanna mosaics, and forest edges with dense understory. Most activity is within the shaded forest floor and lower understory where it forages and sings from low perches. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but is most frequent in intact or semi-intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Southern Antpipit is a ground-oriented tyrant flycatcher that walks and runs along the forest floor, often holding its very short tail cocked, giving it a pipit-like look. Despite its name, it is not an antbird; it picks small arthropods from leaf litter and low perches and may only occasionally attend army-ant swarms. Its thin, high whistles can be surprisingly ventriloquial in dense understory, making it easier to hear than to see.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct over the forest floor
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense understory. Nests are placed low, often near the ground in concealed sites among roots or dense vegetation; clutches are typically small. The male often sings from a low perch just above the leaf litter, especially at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles, often delivered in short phrases that can be difficult to localize. Calls include soft chips and sharp, high notes given when disturbed.
