Variable Antshrike

The variable antshrike, as its common name suggests, is arguably the species of antbird with the most variable plumage. It is 14 to 16 cm (5.5 to 6.3 in) long and weighs 15 to 24 g (0.53 to 0.85 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 significant sexual dimorphism as well as the differences among subspecies. Adult males of the nominate subspecies T. c. caerulescens have a black crown and nape and a gray face. Voice: The variable antshrike's song varies somewhat with geography but the differences are clinal. In general its song is "a simple countable series of usually 6–7 plaintive, evenly spaced whistles of same pitch and intensity". Variations include the pitch and intensity of the first and last notes and the song's pace. The song has been written as "nyah nyah nyah nyah" and "au-au-au-au".