The white-shouldered fire-eye is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits the humid Atlantic Forest, including mature forest, secondary growth, and gallery forests. It favors dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets, especially near streams and forest edges. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and can persist in well-structured secondary forest fragments. It is typically encountered in pairs or small family groups moving low to the ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An antbird of the Atlantic Forest, the white-shouldered fire-eye is named for its male’s bold white shoulder patch and the species’ striking red iris. Males are glossy black while females are rich rufous-brown, a strong sexual dimorphism typical of antbirds. It often follows army ant swarms to snatch flushed insects and is frequently detected by its energetic duets from dense understory.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain and defend territories year-round. Pairs communicate with antiphonal duets and stay close to dense cover while foraging. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low, with both parents feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, ringing whistles that may accelerate slightly and carry well through dense vegetation. Calls include sharp chips and scolding notes given during agitation or when accompanying ant swarms.
Plumage
Male is glossy black with a conspicuous white patch at the shoulder; female is rich rufous-brown with a darker tail and plainer wings. Both sexes have a fiery red iris and a slightly hooked bill typical of antbirds.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Often gleans from leaf litter, trunks, and low foliage, and may sally short distances to seize prey. Frequently attends army ant swarms to capture insects and other creatures flushed from the ground.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo within humid forest. Common along shaded trails, stream margins, and forest edges where cover is thick.
