Bluish-slate Antshrike
NameBluish-slate Antshrike
Common NameBluish-slate Antshrike
Scientific NameThamnophilus schistaceus
FamilyThamnophilidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsThe female Bluish-slate Antshrike (as depicted) has a dark slaty-grey head, back, and wings, with a contrasting rich rufous belly and flanks. The tail is dark. Males are entirely slaty-grey, lacking the rufous underparts.
Vocalization / CallThe vocalization of the Bluish-slate Antshrike is typically a series of accelerating, high-pitched notes, often described as a rapid, rising whistle-trill or a 'pew-pew-pew' call that speeds up and rises in pitch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is found across the Amazon basin and adjacent foothills of northern South America, including parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesStrong sexual dimorphism (males slaty-grey, females rufous belly with grey head/back), Medium-sized antbird with a relatively short tail, Found in dense understory of humid forests, Stout, slightly hooked bill
Description
The Bluish-slate Antshrike is a medium-sized antbird typically found in the understory of humid lowland forests. Males are uniformly slaty-grey, while females, like the one pictured, exhibit a striking contrast of dark grey upperparts and rich rufous underparts. They are primarily insectivorous, foraging actively in dense vegetation.
