The white-breasted antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Amazon
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland terra firme rainforest of the central Brazilian Amazon, particularly between the Madeira and Tapajós rivers. It favors dense understory and midstory along ridges and gentle slopes, often near trails used by army ants. Less frequently it ventures into seasonally flooded forest margins but generally avoids heavily disturbed habitats. The species is patchily distributed, tracking the availability of army-ant swarms and intact forest structure.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An obligate army-ant follower, the white-breasted antbird tracks swarms of Eciton ants to snatch insects and other small arthropods that flee the advancing ants. It keeps to the dim understory of Amazonian terra firme forest and can be difficult to spot despite its contrasting white breast. Pairs often duet, and they defend small territories around reliable ant-swarm routes.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the understory
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups closely attending army-ant swarms. Pairs are territorial and often remain together year-round. Nests are typically low and well concealed in dense understory vegetation, with both sexes participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes that may accelerate or slightly descend, often delivered as a duet between mates. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while maneuvering around ant swarms.
Plumage
Contrasting plumage with a clean white breast and belly set against darker head and upperparts; feathers are smooth and close-fitting. Upperparts are dusky to brownish with darker wings; underparts crisp white, more extensive in males. Females tend to show warmer, buffy or rufescent tones on the flanks and sides of the breast.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods flushed by army ants, including insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It occasionally snaps up small vertebrates such as tiny lizards or frogs when available. Prey is usually caught by short sallies to the ground or low foliage just ahead of the ant front.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or just above the forest floor within shaded, intact terra firme rainforest. Most frequently seen around active Eciton ant swarms, moving methodically through dense understory tangles and viney thickets.
