Gray Antwren
NameGray Antwren
Common NameGray Antwren
Scientific NameMyrmotherula menetriesii
FamilyThamnophilidae
Wingspan (cm)14
Length (cm)9
Weight (g)7.5
Plumage DetailsMales are mostly gray, with a darker gray back and a paler gray belly. They have a distinct black throat and upper breast, and two prominent white wing-bars formed by white tips on the wing coverts. Females are similar but typically lack the black throat, having a buffy or whitish throat and belly, sometimes with a rufous wash.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a rapid, accelerating series of high-pitched 'tew-tew-tew' notes, often ending in a trill. It can also give a softer, more hesitant series of notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Gray Antwren is widely distributed across the Amazon basin and the Guianas in northern South America. Its range includes parts of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size (approx. 9 cm), Predominantly gray plumage, Male with black throat and upper breast, Two distinct white wing-bars, Active foraging in forest understory/mid-story
Description
The Gray Antwren is a small, active passerine bird found in the humid lowland forests of northern South America. It typically forages in the understory and mid-story, often as part of mixed-species flocks, searching for insects among the foliage. Its predominantly gray plumage provides good camouflage within its dense forest habitat.
