Ocellated Antbird
NameOcellated Antbird
Common NameOcellated Antbird
Scientific NamePhaenostictus mcleannani
FamilyThamnophilidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)18.5
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsThis species features a black crown and nape, contrasting with prominent bright blue bare skin around the eye. The throat and upper breast are black, transitioning to rufous-orange underparts and flanks adorned with distinctive black ocellated (eye-like) spots. The back and wings are dark brown to blackish, often with some scaling or spotting, and the tail is dark.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of clear, whistled notes that often accelerate and rise in pitch, described as 'whee-whee-WHEE-WHEE-WHEE-WHEE-whee-whee'. It also produces various chirps and scolding calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central America from Honduras south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, extending into northwestern South America in Colombia and Ecuador.
Identifying FeaturesBright blue bare skin around the eye, Rufous-orange underparts with prominent black ocellated spots, Black throat and crown, Often associated with army ant swarms
Description
The Ocellated Antbird is a striking medium-sized antbird known for its bright blue bare skin around the eye. It is typically found in the understory of humid tropical forests, often following army ant swarms to catch insects flushed by the ants.
