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.
Plumage
Males are largely glossy black with a contrasting pale patch on the lower back/shoulder that is often concealed at rest; females are warm rufous to cinnamon with darker wings and tail. Feathers are sleek with minimal patterning aside from the dorsal patch. The bright red iris is conspicuous in both sexes.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods such as spiders and small beetles. Gleans and probes from leaves, vines, and dead leaf clusters in the understory. Occasionally sallies to the ground or makes short flights to snatch prey. May attend army-ant swarms opportunistically to capture flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense, shaded understory of terra firme forest, especially in bamboo and vine tangles. Often stays within 0.5–3 m above ground along trails, stream edges, and thickets.
