Willis's antbird, also known as the laeta antbird, is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil and Guyana.
Region
Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of northern Brazil and neighboring Guyana, favoring dense, humid understory. It inhabits terra firme forest, river-edge thickets, vine tangles, and second growth with substantial cover. Birds usually remain within 1–3 meters above ground, moving through tangles and sapling thickets. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats but depends on forest structure and cover.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Willis's antbird, also called the laeta antbird, is a shy understory specialist of the Guiana Shield forests. Pairs often keep close contact with soft duets and can be heard more readily than seen. It primarily gleans insects from low vegetation and may occasionally attend army-ant swarms but is not an obligate follower.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found as pairs maintaining year-round territories in dense understory. Nests are placed low, often in saplings or vine tangles, and both sexes participate in care. Pairs keep close contact with soft calls and duets while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, repetitive series of clear, slightly descending whistles, often delivered as a coordinated duet by the pair. Calls include sharp tchik and soft contact notes that help partners stay concealed yet connected.
Plumage
Male is largely slate-gray with darker wings and tail and small pale spots on the wing coverts; female is warm rufous-brown above with buffy to cinnamon underparts. Both sexes show fairly plain underparts and a subtly darker face. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, aiding in quiet movement through thickets.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and other insects gleaned from leaves, stems, and vine tangles. It forages methodically at low levels, sometimes sallying a short distance to take prey. It may opportunistically join mixed-species understory flocks and occasionally attend army-ant swarms without relying on them.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of terra firme and secondary forest, especially areas with vine tangles, fallen branches, and sapling thickets. Often near stream edges and shaded forest margins where cover is abundant.
