The spot-winged antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Found in lowland evergreen forests across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It favors dense, shaded understory in terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests, as well as older secondary growth. Often near vine tangles, bamboo thickets, and along quiet forest streams and edges. It avoids open habitats and rarely ventures far from cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the spot-winged antbird often follows army ant swarms to snatch insects flushed from the leaf litter. It typically occurs in pairs that keep close contact with soft calls and duets. The pale spots on its wing coverts are a key field mark when it flicks its wings in dense cover.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found as pairs that maintain year-round territories in dense understory. Pairs often duet and keep close contact while foraging. Nests are placed low, typically cup-shaped, with small clutches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, rising series of whistles or chipping notes given from concealed perches. Calls include soft contact notes between pair members and harsher scolds when disturbed.
