Giant Antshrike
NameGiant Antshrike
Common NameGiant Antshrike
Scientific NameBatara cinerea
FamilyThamnophilidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)34.5
Weight (g)175
Plumage DetailsMales are predominantly gray with a distinctive shaggy black crest. Their wings are black with white barring or spots, and the long tail is also black with white barring. The bill is pale bluish-gray, and the legs are bluish-gray.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a loud, ringing series of whistles that often accelerates and descends in pitch, described as 'whee-whee-WHEE-WHEE-WHEE-whee-whee-whee-whee-whew-whew-whew'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, primarily in the Atlantic Forest biome.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for an antbird, Prominent shaggy black crest (male), Overall gray plumage (male), Black wings and tail with white barring, Strong, hooked pale bill
Description
The Giant Antshrike is a large, striking antbird known for its prominent shaggy black crest. It typically inhabits the dense undergrowth of humid forests, where it forages for insects and other invertebrates. Its powerful bill is adapted for tearing apart vegetation to find prey.
