Percnostola rufifrons
The Black-headed Antbird, *Percnostola rufifrons*, is a striking member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males boast a glossy black head, throat, and upper breast, contrasting sharply with a rufous-brown back, wings, and tail, and a paler rufous belly. They typically measure around 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length and weigh about 19-24 grams. Females, in contrast, lack the black head, displaying an entirely rufous-brown plumage, often w...
This species exclusively inhabits the dense understory of humid lowland terra firme (non-flooded) rainforests, typically below 500 meters in elevation, preferring areas with thick tangles and fallen vegetation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation, often taking advantage of prey disturbed by army ant swarms.
The Black-headed Antbird is a diurnal and highly terrestrial species, spending most of its time foraging covertly in the forest undergrowth. It moves with deliberate hops and short flights, often flicking its tail. Foraging primarily involves gleaning insects and other arthropods from leaf litter...
The Black-headed Antbird is a widespread resident species found across a significant portion of northern South America within the Amazon Basin. Its primary distribution extends through the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana), southeastern Venezuela, and northeastern Brazil, south of the Ama...
Least Concern
- The Black-headed Antbird is notorious for its "skulking" behavior, making it one of the most challenging antbirds to observe directly in its dense rainforest habitat, often heard but not seen. - Despite its name, only the male possesses the prominent black head; the female is entirely rufous-br...