Castelnau's Antshrike
NameCastelnau's Antshrike
Common NameCastelnau's Antshrike
Scientific NameThamnophilus castelnaui
FamilyThamnophilidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)22.5
Plumage DetailsMales are entirely glossy black with two broken white wing-bars formed by white spots on the wing coverts. The bill and legs are dark. Females are rufous-brown overall, with darker wings and tail, and sometimes faint barring on the underparts.
Vocalization / CallThe call is typically a series of 'chup' notes that often accelerate into a trill. They also produce a distinctive 'churr' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to western Amazonia, primarily found along the Ucayali River and its tributaries in eastern Peru, with some presence extending into western Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesMales are entirely glossy black with white wing-bars, Females are rufous-brown, Prefers dense undergrowth of humid lowland forests, often near rivers, Distinctive accelerating 'chup' call
Description
Castelnau's Antshrike is a medium-sized antbird found in the understory of humid lowland forests. Males are entirely glossy black with distinctive white wing markings, while females are rufous-brown. They are typically observed foraging for insects in dense vegetation.
