Large-tailed Antshrike

Mackenziaena leachii

Antbirds, Antshrikes, Antwrens, and Antvireos · Passeriformes · Rare

The Large-tailed Antshrike (Mackenziaena leachii) is a rare antbirds, antshrikes, antwrens, and antvireo found in 4 countries, weighing about 70 g. The large-tailed antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds".

Least ConcernRareEats invertebratesforest70 g

About the Large-tailed Antshrike

The large-tailed antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

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

How to identify it

The large-tailed antshrike is a large dark antbird with a long full tail. It is 25 to 26 cm (9.8 to 10 in) long and weighs 58 to 62 g (2.0 to 2.2 oz). The species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, though both sexes have a moderately long black bill with a hook at the end like true shrikes. Adult males are mostly black with small white spots on their crown, nape, upperparts, and sides. Adult females are mostly brownish black. Their forehead is rufous, their crown is rufous with black edges on its feathers, their upperparts have pale buff spots, and their wings have pale buff bars. Voice: The large-tailed antshrike's song is a "hurried, slightly slowing down, at first rising then descending series of about 15 very high, strident 'sweep' notes". Its call is a "downslurred, sharp 'sreee'. Because the species favors dense understorey, it is more often heard than seen.

Where it lives

When to see it

The Large-tailed Antshrike can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Large-tailed Antshrike?
The large-tailed antshrike is a large dark antbird with a long full tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Large-tailed Antshrike?
The Large-tailed Antshrike is a medium sized bird weighing about 70 g.
Where can you see a Large-tailed Antshrike?
The Large-tailed Antshrike occurs in 4 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
What birds look similar to a Large-tailed Antshrike?
The Large-tailed Antshrike is most easily confused with the Tufted Antshrike.
Is the Large-tailed Antshrike endangered?
The Large-tailed Antshrike is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Large-tailed Antshrike for real

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