The yellow-breasted antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazonia and eastern Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Colombia through eastern Ecuador to northern Peru, mainly along the eastern foothills of the Andes. It inhabits humid terra firme and foothill forests, tall second growth, and forest edges, most frequently in the mid to upper canopy. Birds often travel with mixed-species flocks along ridges and forest borders. It can persist in selectively logged or secondary habitats if substantial canopy structure remains.
Altitude Range
200–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-breasted antwren is a small canopy antbird that forages actively in pairs and often joins mixed-species flocks. It favors the humid foothill forests on the eastern Andean slope and is more often heard than seen, thanks to its thin, high-pitched duets. Unlike some antbirds, it is not a regular follower of army-ant swarms. Habitat loss at foothill elevations may be affecting local populations.
Male near Zamora, Ecuador
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain contact while moving quickly through mid to upper canopy. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks, where it gleans insects from leaves and twigs. Nest is a small cup placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes that accelerate slightly, often delivered as a coordinated duet between the pair. Calls include sharp tsit and see notes used to keep contact in flocks. Vocalizations carry well but are easy to overlook amid canopy insect noise.
Plumage
Compact antwren with clean, contrasting plumage; wings show two clear whitish wingbars and fine edging. Underparts are notably yellow, with gray to olive upperparts depending on sex and age. Feathers are sleek and lie close to the body, aiding its active, agile foraging.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including insects and their larvae gleaned from foliage and fine branches. It hover-gleans and makes short sallies to pick prey from leaf undersides and suspended dead leaves. It occasionally takes small spiders and other soft-bodied invertebrates. Not an obligate ant-follower, but may opportunistically forage near small ant activity.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy and along forest edges, especially within mixed-species flocks. Also uses tall second growth and bamboo-rich thickets near foothill forests, where foliage density supports hover-gleaning.
