Frederickena viridis
The Black-throated Antshrike (*Frederickena viridis*) is a large, strikingly sexually dimorphic antbird belonging to the family Thamnophilidae, renowned for its secretive nature in the dense understory of Neotropical rainforests. Males are easily identified by their entirely black head and throat, contrasting with finely white-barred black upperparts and dark grey underparts, typically measuring around 19-20 cm in length and weighing 60-68 grams. In stark contrast, females sport a rich rufous...
Found in the understory of humid lowland evergreen rainforests, primary forest edges, and secondary growth up to 1300 meters, often near streams or wet areas.
Primarily consumes insects (including beetles, orthopterans, and larvae) and other arthropods, gleaned from vegetation.
The Black-throated Antshrike is a largely diurnal, highly secretive species primarily active in the lower understory and near ground level of humid forests. It typically forages by methodically gleaning insects and other arthropods from foliage, branches, and leaf litter, often moving in slow, de...
The Black-throated Antshrike is a resident species found across northern South America, inhabiting the humid tropical forests of the Guianas and the northern Amazon Basin. Its distribution spans southern Venezuela, particularly in the states of Bolívar and Amazonas, eastward through all of Guyana...
Least Concern
- The Black-throated Antshrike is one of the larger species within the antshrike group. - Its scientific specific epithet *viridis* means 'green', which is ironic given its black, white, and rufous plumage, likely referring to its forest habitat. - It is often referred to as a "voice of the fores...