Sooty Ant-Tanager
NameSooty Ant-Tanager
Common NameSooty Ant-Tanager
Scientific NameHabia gutturalis
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)39
Plumage DetailsMales are predominantly sooty black to dark gray, featuring a prominent scarlet-red crest and a bright red throat patch extending onto the upper breast. Females are similar but duller, with a less extensive and often orange-red crest and throat.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of sharp, ringing notes, often described as a rapid, chattering song or a repeated 'chip-chip-chip'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Sooty Ant-Tanager is endemic to the humid Chocó biogeographic region of western Colombia, primarily found in lowland and foothill forests.
Identifying FeaturesDark sooty plumage, Bright red crest (especially in males), Red throat patch (especially in males), Association with army ant swarms, Found in humid forest understory
Description
This medium-sized songbird is characterized by its dark plumage and a striking red crest and throat in males. It typically forages in the understory of humid forests, often following army ant swarms to catch flushed insects.
