Phlegopsis nigromaculata
The Black-spotted Bare-eye (*Phlegopsis nigromaculata*) is a striking and highly specialized antbird of the Amazonian understory. Measuring approximately 18-19 cm in length and weighing between 38-46 grams, both sexes feature a largely sooty-black plumage, heavily adorned with conspicuous white spots on the wing coverts and often on the mantle, giving it its common name. Its most distinctive field mark, and the inspiration for its genus name, is the large, bright red, bare orbital skin patch ...
This species primarily inhabits the understory of humid lowland evergreen rainforests, favoring terra firme forests, typically at elevations below 600 meters.
The Black-spotted Bare-eye feeds almost exclusively on invertebrates, primarily insects and spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates, all flushed by army ant swarms.
Black-spotted Bare-eyes are diurnal and highly specialized in their foraging strategy, acting as obligate army ant followers. They spend their days closely attending swarms of army ants, such as *Eciton burchelli*, perching on low branches or vines, often within a meter of the ground. When the an...
The Black-spotted Bare-eye is a resident species found throughout the lowlands of the Amazon Basin in South America. Its extensive distribution spans southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and vast areas of Brazil. Specifically, the nominate subspecies, *P. n...
Least Concern
- The Black-spotted Bare-eye is an obligate army ant follower, meaning it rarely forages away from swarms of ants like *Eciton burchelli* and *Labidus coecus*. - Its common name and genus, 'Bare-eye,' come from the prominent, featherless, bright red skin patch around its eye. - This species is kn...