Formicarius nigricapillus
The Black-headed Antthrush (Formicarius nigricapillus) is a strikingly distinctive, reclusive passerine of humid Neotropical forests. Measuring approximately 18-19 cm (7-7.5 inches) in length and weighing 48-60 grams, it is characterized by its glossy black head, throat, and upper breast, which sharply contrast with its rich rufous-chestnut back, wings, and underparts. A prominent white spot behind the eye, a feature shared with some other antthrushes, is often visible and serves as a key ide...
This species primarily inhabits the understory of humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, often found in areas with dense vegetation and deep leaf litter. It typically occurs from sea level up to approximately 1500 meters (4900 feet) in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, the Black-headed Antthrush feeds on a variety of insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. It forages almost exclusively on the ground, often gleaning prey from the leaf litter or opportunistically capturing items flushed by army ant swarms.
The Black-headed Antthrush is a largely terrestrial and diurnal bird, spending most of its time walking and hopping on the forest floor. It is renowned for its specialized foraging strategy, often following army ant swarms to snatch insects and other arthropods flushed by the ants. When not accom...
The Black-headed Antthrush is a resident species found across a disjunct range in Central and northwestern South America. Its northern population extends from eastern Honduras through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, primarily on the Caribbean slope in the north and both slopes further south. A...
Least Concern
- The Black-headed Antthrush has a striking "mask" - a glossy black head that contrasts sharply with its rufous body, making it a distinctive sight in the dim forest understory. - It is a dedicated follower of army ants, a behavior shared by many antbirds, using the ants to flush out hidden prey ...