The squamate antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Southeastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Confined to remnants of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, it occupies humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forest with a dense understory. It favors shadowy gullies, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets, and will use mature secondary growth if understory cover is intact. The species typically keeps within a meter or two of the ground, moving deliberately through leaf litter and low vegetation. Habitat fragmentation is a key constraint, so it persists best in larger forest blocks and protected reserves.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the squamate antbird is named for the scaly, pale-edged pattern on its plumage. It forages close to the forest floor, often in dense thickets and bamboo, and occasionally attends army-ant swarms to snatch flushed insects. Pairs maintain territories year-round and often duet, which helps them stay in contact in dim forest light.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as territorial pairs that maintain year-round territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low, and both sexes typically share incubation and chick-rearing duties. It spends most of its time near the ground, moving methodically and remaining well-hidden.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes that may accelerate or descend slightly, given from concealed perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used between pair members.
