The Tapajos fire-eye is an insectivorous bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Amazon
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland Amazonian forest between major rivers centered on the Tapajós basin. Prefers dense understory of terra firme forest, especially tangles, viney thickets, and bamboo stands. It can use forest edges and selectively logged areas if sufficient understory cover remains, but is most common in interior forest. Often keeps close to the ground to mid-understory and can be inconspicuous despite its bright eye.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tapajos fire-eye is an insectivorous antbird of the subfamily Thamnophilinae (family Thamnophilidae), noted for its striking red iris that gives the group its name. It is endemic to Brazil, where it inhabits dense understory along the Tapajós River interfluvium. Like many antbirds, it often forages low in the understory, sometimes near army-ant swarms. Males and females are strongly dimorphic, with males mostly black and females rich rufous.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found as pairs or solitary individuals moving quietly through dense understory. Territorial year-round, with pairs maintaining and defending small territories. Nests are usually low cup structures hidden in dense vegetation, and both sexes may participate in care. Will occasionally join mixed-species flocks but more often forages independently.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear whistles or sharp notes delivered from low perches, often accelerating or slightly rising and then falling. Calls include sharp chips and scolds, especially when alarmed. Duetting between mates can occur.
