Cercomacroides serva
The Black Antbird, *Cercomacroides serva*, is a striking yet elusive resident of the humid forest understory in western Amazonia. Males are entirely glossy black, measuring approximately 14-15 cm (5.5-5.9 in) in length and weighing around 18-22 grams (0.63-0.78 oz), with a conspicuous, often flicked, black tail. Females present a more subdued but equally distinctive appearance, featuring a dark slate-gray head and upperparts, contrasting with a rufous-cinnamon belly and vent, and a black tail...
This species inhabits the dense understory of humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, often favoring areas near streams, forest edges, or vine tangles, at elevations typically ranging from 200 to 1800 meters.
Black Antbirds are primarily insectivores, feeding on a variety of arthropods such as beetles, crickets, spiders, and caterpillars, which they capture by gleaning from foliage and branches.
Black Antbirds are primarily diurnal, typically active from dawn to dusk, often remaining deep within the dense undergrowth and rarely ascending above 2 meters. They are adept at foraging for insects by gleaning prey from leaves and branches, frequently making short, quick sallies to snatch arthr...
The Black Antbird is a resident species distributed across the western Amazon basin and the foothills of the Andes in South America. Its primary range extends from southeastern Colombia, through eastern Ecuador and eastern Peru, south into northwestern and central Bolivia. This species is non-mig...
Least Concern
- The Black Antbird's genus, *Cercomacroides*, was established in 2014, splitting it from the *Cercomacra* genus based on significant genetic and vocal differences. - Despite its 'black' name, only the male is entirely glossy black; the female features a distinctive slate-gray and rufous-cinnamon...