White-shouldered Antshrike

Thamnophilus aethiops

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

The White-shouldered Antshrike (Thamnophilus aethiops) is a rare antbirds, antshrikes, antwrens, and antvireo found in 7 countries, weighing about 26 g. The white-shouldered antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds".

Least ConcernRareEats invertebratesforestcup nest26 g

About the White-shouldered Antshrike

The white-shouldered antshrike is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

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

How to identify it

The white-shouldered antshrike is 15 to 17 cm (5.9 to 6.7 in) long and weighs 23 to 30 g (0.81 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 significant sexual dimorphism. Adult males of the nominate subspecies T. a. aethiops are mostly black. They have a few white spots on their wing's lesser coverts and the bend of the wing, white underwing coverts, and a blackish gray lower belly and crissum. Adult females are entirely deep reddish brown. Voice: The male white-shouldered antshrike's song is "a short and slowly paced...series of low-pitched, complaining notes delivered at steady pace and even pitch and intensity"; female song is similar but higher-pitched. It has been written as "anh...anh...anh...anh...anh" given at about one note per second.

What the White-shouldered 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

Recorded as a rare visitor in French Guiana.

When to see it

The White-shouldered 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 White-shouldered Antshrike?
The white-shouldered antshrike is 15 to 17 cm (5.9 to 6.7 in) long and weighs 23 to 30 g (0.81 to 1.1 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a White-shouldered Antshrike?
The White-shouldered Antshrike is a small sized bird weighing about 26 g.
Where can you see a White-shouldered Antshrike?
The White-shouldered Antshrike occurs in 7 countries, including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia.
What does a White-shouldered Antshrike sound like?
You can listen to 3 field recordings of the White-shouldered Antshrike on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
What birds look similar to a White-shouldered Antshrike?
The White-shouldered Antshrike is most easily confused with the Black Antshrike, the Sooretama Slaty Antshrike and the Rufous-winged Antshrike.
Is the White-shouldered Antshrike endangered?
The White-shouldered Antshrike is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the White-shouldered 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.

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