The stripe-backed antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the dry lowlands of eastern Bolivia, western and central Brazil (including Caatinga and Cerrado margins), Paraguay, and northern Argentina within the Gran Chaco. It favors xeric thorn scrub, open dry forest, and dense second-growth with a tangled understory. Often found along woodland edges, dry riverbeds, and in brushy clearings. Generally avoids closed, humid forest but uses patches of dense shrubs for cover. Typically keeps to the lower strata, from ground level up to about 2 m.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The stripe-backed antbird is a skulking understory specialist of dry scrub and thorny woodlands. Pairs often maintain territories year-round and perform antiphonal duets to keep contact. Unlike some antbirds, it seldom follows army ants, instead gleaning insects from low branches and leaf litter. It can be surprisingly vocal at dawn but remains hard to see, moving mouse-like through dense cover.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct hops between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs within well-defended territories. Pairs often stay together year-round and communicate with duets. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes participate in territory defense and care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes that accelerate slightly toward the end, often delivered as a duet between partners. Calls include sharp chips and soft scolds given from cover.
Plumage
Boldly streaked upperparts with contrasting pale and dark stripes; clean underparts with slight buffy wash. Male shows sharper contrast with darker mantle and crisp whitish streaks; female tends to be warmer brown with softer streaking.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods such as spiders and beetles. Forages by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and bark in the lower understory and by occasional ground sallies. Sometimes probes leaf litter and fallen branches, taking prey with quick, precise strikes.
Preferred Environment
Dense, thorny shrubs and low tangles in dry scrub and open woodland. Often works along edges, trails, and dry streambeds where cover is close to the ground.
