The streak-capped antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous Atlantic Forest from southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). Prefers dense understory and midstory of mature forest but also uses second growth with good shrub cover and bamboo thickets. Often along shaded forest edges and riparian corridors. It is largely a lowland and foothill species within its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The streak-capped antwren is a tiny antbird of the Atlantic Forest understory, often moving quickly through foliage and joining mixed-species flocks. It forages by gleaning small arthropods from leaves and twigs, rarely following army ants. Sensitive to heavy habitat degradation, it can persist in some secondary growth and forest edges if understory structure remains. Subtle plumage differences between sexes are typical, with both showing the distinctive streaked crown.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain small territories within the understory. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, moving quickly and quietly through dense cover. Nests are small cups placed low to mid understory, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of rapid notes that may accelerate into a brief trill. Calls include soft chips and tsits given while foraging and keeping contact with a mate.
Plumage
Compact antwren with an overall brownish-olive back and paler buffy underparts; crown finely streaked with pale lines on a darker background. Wings show faint buff wingbars and light edging to the coverts; tail short and rounded. Plumage is clean and smooth, aiding in quick movement through foliage.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as insects, spiders, and their larvae. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, occasionally making short sallies to snatch insects. Foraging is meticulous and continuous, often as part of mixed-species flocks.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of humid forest, including vine tangles, bamboo patches, and shaded edges. Also uses regenerating secondary forests with sufficient shrub and sapling layers.
