Barred Antshrike

Thamnophilus doliatus

Least ConcernCommonInvertebratesWoodlandCup nestSmall · 27 g

About the Barred Antshrike

The barred antshrike is a passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in the Neotropics in Mexico, every country in Central America, Trinidad and Tobago, and every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay. There is also one accepted record from southern Texas.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The barred antshrike is 15 to 18.5 cm (5.9 to 7.3 in) long and weighs 24 to 32 g (0.85 to 1.1 oz). Members of genus Thamnophilus are largish members of the antbird family; all have stout bills with a hook like those of true shrikes. This species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism though both sexes have a bushy crest. Adult males of the nominate subspecies T. d. doliatus are almost entirely plumaged with alternating black and white bars. The black bars on their upperparts are thicker than the white bars; on their underparts the black bars are thinner than the white ones. Voice: Both sexes of the barred antshrike sing; while singing they stretch their neck, bow forward, and pump their tails up and down. Males erect their crest, which shows the feathers' white bases in the subspecies that have them.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Barred Antshrike sounds like

Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.

When to see it

Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Barred Antshrike vs Variable Antshrike

Learn the Barred Antshrike for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.