The spot-backed antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland humid evergreen forests of Brazil, southeastern Venezuela, and eastern Colombia, especially north of the Amazon River. It favors terra firme forest and forest edges, and is also reported from white-sand (campina/campinarana) habitats. Most activity is in the canopy and subcanopy, where it moves quickly through mid to upper levels. It can persist in lightly disturbed forest fragments if canopy structure remains.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling antwren of the Amazon, it forages in pairs and often joins mixed-species flocks high above the forest floor. Males and females perform tight antiphonal duets that help maintain contact while moving through dense foliage. Unlike some antbirds, it rarely follows army ant swarms, relying instead on gleaning insects from leaves and twigs.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs that keep close contact while moving through the canopy and frequently join mixed-species flocks. Territorial duets between mates are common and may be used to defend space. Nests are small cups hidden in foliage, with both sexes participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick series of sharp, high-pitched notes or thin trills delivered in rapid sequences. Pairs often give tightly timed antiphonal duets, with male and female phrases interleaving to sound like a single bird.
