Myrmoborus lugubris
The Ash-breasted Antbird, *Myrmoborus lugubris*, is a striking member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), known for its specialized association with army ant swarms. Males are readily identified by their dark ash-gray plumage, contrasting sharply with a prominent black mask extending from the lore to the ear-coverts, and two distinct white wing-bars. Females exhibit a duller, browner coloration, often with a faint dusky mask and less conspicuous wing-bars, though some variations exist. Th...
This species primarily inhabits the understory of lowland *várzea* (seasonally flooded) forests, particularly along major river courses and their tributaries within the Amazon Basin, typically found below 500 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide range of arthropods, including insects and spiders, which are flushed from the leaf litter by army ant swarms. It captures prey by sallying and gleaning.
The Ash-breasted Antbird is a diurnal, highly active species, primarily observed as solitary individuals or in pairs, though it may aggregate with other ant-followers around army ant swarms. Its most distinctive behavior is its obligate foraging association with columns of army ants, such as *Eci...
The Ash-breasted Antbird is a resident species found throughout the lowlands of the Amazon Basin, with its distribution closely tied to major river systems and their associated *várzea* (seasonally flooded) forests. Its range spans parts of Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern ...
Least Concern
- The Ash-breasted Antbird is an obligate ant-follower, meaning it relies almost entirely on army ant swarms to find its food, rarely foraging independently. - It is known to follow at least two major species of army ants: *Eciton burchellii* and *Labidus praedator*. - Its distinctive ash-gray br...