The unicolored antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to southeastern Brazil.
Region
Southeastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland to foothill Atlantic Forest, especially in humid evergreen forest with dense understory. It uses vine tangles, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth along forest edges. The species keeps close to cover and typically remains within a few meters of the ground. It is patchily distributed where intact forest remains, and local densities can be higher in well-preserved fragments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its notably plain appearance, the unicolored antwren is a small, skulking antbird of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Males are slate-gray while females are warmer brown-olive, and the species usually forages quietly in pairs in dense understory. It often joins mixed-species flocks but rarely follows army ants. Ongoing habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest is its primary threat.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short, rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are typically small cups placed low in dense vegetation. Territorial calling and duet-like exchanges may occur between mates during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, thin series of high-pitched notes that accelerates into a short rattle or trill. Calls are faint chips and tsips, easily overlooked amid forest background noise.
Plumage
Uniform, unpatterned plumage; male is plain slate-gray, female is warm brown-olive with buffy tones below. Lacks wingbars and strong contrast, giving a smooth, even look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods including insects and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vines, often hovering briefly to pick items from the undersides of foliage. Rarely, it may sally short distances to capture flushed prey. It does not typically follow army ants.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory of mature and secondary Atlantic Forest, vine tangles, bamboo, and thickets along edges and clearings. Usually stays within 1–4 meters of the ground where cover is thick.
