The white-throated antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland rainforest of eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil (e.g., Acre and adjacent Amazonas). Prefers dense understory of terra firme and adjacent seasonally flooded forest, typically within intact, mature forest. Most often found near active army ant swarms where it perches low and sallies to the ground for prey. Uses vine tangles, fallen logs, and shaded gullies as foraging microhabitats. It avoids open edges and heavily disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-throated antbird is an obligate ant-follower that feeds on insects flushed by army ant swarms rather than eating the ants themselves. It forages close to the forest floor and often moves in pairs that keep vocal contact. Formerly placed in the genus Gymnopithys, it is now grouped in Oneillornis based on genetic data. Its secretive habits make it easier to hear than to see in dense Amazonian understory.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, low flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that follow army ant swarms within a defended territory. Both sexes participate in nesting, placing a cup nest low in dense vegetation. They communicate frequently with soft contact calls and may perform duet songs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear series of whistled notes that rise and then fall, delivered from low perches in the understory. Pairs may duet, with the second bird answering in a slightly different pitch. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes near ant swarms.
Plumage
Male shows a crisp white throat and upper breast contrasting with darker dusky-brown to blackish head and upperparts; underparts otherwise dark with subtle brown tones. Female is warmer brown overall with a paler, buffy to whitish throat and less contrast. Both sexes have dense, smooth plumage suited to the understory and a fairly short tail.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other arthropods, including beetles, crickets, spiders, and larvae flushed by army ants. It rarely captures prey away from ant swarms and seldom eats ants themselves. Prey is snapped from the ground or low foliage in quick sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages at or just above the forest floor in shaded, dense understory. Most feeding occurs along the edges of moving army ant columns in mature rainforest interiors.
