Zeledon's antbird is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America to the Chocó of northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Nicaragua and Costa Rica through western Panama into the humid Pacific slope and adjacent lowlands of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It favors mature and well-regenerated humid evergreen forest, especially dense, shaded understory. Often found along forested streams, ravines, and in thickets of vines and Heliconia. Readily associates with army-ant swarms within interior forest and tall secondary growth.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for Costa Rican ornithologist José Cástulo Zeledón, this species belongs to the typical antbird family and often follows army-ant swarms to snatch flushed prey. Formerly treated within the Immaculate Antbird complex, it is now placed in the genus Hafferia. It is a shy understory specialist, most often detected by voice rather than sight.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over brief distances
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups that defend year-round territories in dense understory. Frequently attends army-ant swarms to feed, darting to the ground after flushed prey. Nests are usually low, cup-like structures placed in dense vegetation; pairs engage in cooperative nest defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, mellow whistles delivered in a steady or slightly rising sequence, carrying well through dense forest. Pairs may duet, with simple, sharp chek calls given at close range near ant swarms.
Plumage
Male is mostly dark slate to black and fairly uniform, with a smooth, unbarred appearance. Female is warm brown above with rufous-brown underparts and a slightly grayer face, also largely unmarked. Both sexes lack wing bars and have a stout, slightly hooked bill typical of antbirds.
Diet
Primarily arthropods including insects and spiders, captured on or near the ground. Often sallies from low perches to snatch prey flushed by army ants. Will also glean from leaf litter, rotting wood, and low foliage; occasionally takes small vertebrates if available.
Preferred Environment
Dense, shaded forest understory, especially near ant-swarm activity. Forages along trails, stream edges, and vine tangles where cover is thick and visibility is limited.
