Black-bellied Antwren
Formicivora melanogaster
The Black-bellied Antwren (Formicivora melanogaster) is a rare antbirds, antshrikes, antwrens, and antvireo found in 3 countries, weighing about 11 g. The black-bellied antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds".
About the Black-bellied Antwren
The black-bellied antwren is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-bellied antwren is 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in) long. Adult males of the nominate subspecies have a wide white supercilium that extends down the neck, along the side of the breast, and widens on the flanks. Their crown and upperparts are dark grayish brown with white edges on the outer scapulars and a hidden white patch between them. Their wings are blackish with white tips on the coverts. Their tail is black with white feather tips that increase in size from the central to the outer feathers. Their face, throat, and underparts are black with white underwing coverts. Voice: The black-bellied antwren's song is a "slow series of high, nasal 'tjew' notes (2/sec over 8 sec)". Its calls may vary geographically and include "a short series of complaining squeals...also sharp high-pitched 'seek' notes and lower-pitched, short downslurred notes".
Where it lives
When to see it
The Black-bellied Antwren can be seen all year round, with peak activity in August. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-bellied Antwren?
- The black-bellied antwren is 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-bellied Antwren?
- The Black-bellied Antwren is a tiny sized bird weighing about 11 g.
- Where can you see a Black-bellied Antwren?
- The Black-bellied Antwren occurs in 3 countries, including Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.
- What birds look similar to a Black-bellied Antwren?
- The Black-bellied Antwren is most easily confused with the Rusty-backed Antwren, the Serra Antwren and the Narrow-billed Antwren.
- Is the Black-bellied Antwren endangered?
- The Black-bellied Antwren is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-bellied Antwren for real
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