Slate-colored Antbird
NameSlate-colored Antbird
Common NameSlate-colored Antbird
Scientific NameMyrmelastes schistaceus
FamilyThamnophilidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsMales are primarily slate-gray with a darker face and throat, and a small white patch on the back. Females, like the one pictured, are browner overall with a rufous-chestnut belly and flanks, and often exhibit small white spots on the wing coverts.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of clear, whistled notes that often accelerate and rise in pitch, typically described as 'pee-pee-pee-PEE-PEE-PEE-pew-pew-pew'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the western Amazon basin, including southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, and western Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesSlate-gray (male) or brownish/rufous (female) plumage, Short tail, Often associated with army ant swarms, Distinctive whistled song, Found in forest understory
Description
The Slate-colored Antbird is a medium-sized antbird found in the understory of humid lowland forests. It is typically a shy and elusive species, often foraging for insects near army ant swarms.
