White-flanked Antwren
NameWhite-flanked Antwren
Common NameWhite-flanked Antwren
Scientific NameMyrmotherula axillaris
FamilyThamnophilidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)10
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsMales are dark gray overall with a black throat and chest. They have two prominent white wing bars formed by white spots on the wing coverts, and a distinctive, often concealed, white patch on the flanks. Females are olive-brown above, buffy below, with similar white wing markings and flank patch.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of high-pitched, rapid 'tseep' or 'tsee-tsee-tsee' notes, often accelerating into a trill. It also gives a soft, descending 'pew' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Central and South America, from Honduras south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and into the Amazon basin, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark gray plumage (male), White wing bars/spots, Concealed white flank patch, Short tail, Found in forest understory
Description
This small, active antwren is typically found in the understory of tropical forests, often foraging for insects in mixed-species flocks. Males are predominantly dark gray with distinctive white wing markings and a concealed white flank patch. They move quickly through dense foliage.
