The streak-headed antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern and Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane and foothill forests, especially areas with abundant bamboo (Chusquea and Guadua) and tangled understory. Common along forest edges, steep ravines, and second growth adjacent to primary forest. Frequently stays within 1–3 meters of the ground, weaving through dense cover.
Altitude Range
700–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This understory antbird is closely associated with dense bamboo thickets along the Andean foothills. It forages in pairs, often flicking through dead leaves and bamboo culms to pick hidden insects. Despite its family name, it seldom follows army ant swarms compared with many other antbirds. Its sharp, accelerating song is often the best clue to its presence in thick vegetation.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain year-round territories in dense understory, especially bamboo. Occasionally joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Nests are placed low in dense cover; both sexes participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sharp, accelerating series of high notes that may end in a short trill. Calls include dry chips and rattling notes given from concealed perches.
Plumage
Compact antbird with a boldly streaked head, warm brown upperparts, and rufous wings and tail. Underparts are grayish to buff with faint barring or streaking on the sides. Tail often shows subtle dark barring; feathers are relatively dense and sleek for maneuvering through thickets.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and small caterpillars. Gleans prey from bamboo culms, dead leaf clusters, and vine tangles. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flushed insects. Not an obligate ant-follower but may opportunistically take prey stirred by disturbance.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense bamboo and understory tangles in humid montane forest. Often near edges, landslides, or stream gullies where bamboo is vigorous. Keeps low, typically within the lower two meters of vegetation.
