Thamnophilus multistriatus
The Bar-crested Antshrike, *Thamnophilus multistriatus*, is a striking antbird species endemic to the Andean cloud forests of Colombia, renowned for its intricate barring and prominent erectile crest. Males are boldly patterned in black and white, with fine barring across the entire body, a black face and throat, and a black crest often flecked with white. Females exhibit strong sexual dimorphism, featuring a rufous-chestnut head and crest, olive-brown upperparts finely barred with black, and...
Found primarily in humid submontane and montane evergreen forests, cloud forest edges, and dense secondary growth, typically at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2400 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects and other arthropods, such as beetles, ants, and spiders, gleaned from vegetation. Occasionally consumes small berries.
The Bar-crested Antshrike is a diurnal species, active throughout the day, typically moving quietly through the dense understory and mid-story vegetation. It maintains strong, monogamous pair bonds, with pairs often engaging in complex, synchronized duets to defend their territories and reinforce...
The Bar-crested Antshrike is endemic to the Andes of Colombia, with its distribution spanning across all three major cordilleras: the Cordillera Occidental, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera Oriental. It is a resident species, non-migratory, and maintains its presence year-round within its speci...
Least Concern
- The Bar-crested Antshrike is an avian vocalist par excellence, famous for its perfectly synchronized duets between male and female, which are key to maintaining pair bonds and defending territory. - Unlike many antbirds that follow army ant swarms for food, the Bar-crested Antshrike typically f...