Pyriglena leuconota
The East Amazonian Fire-eye, *Pyriglena leuconota*, is a striking member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), renowned for its vivid ruby-red eyes that pierce through the dim forest understory. This medium-sized passerine measures approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 inches) in length and weighs between 25-35 grams. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are entirely glossy black with a distinctive, often concealed, white patch on the lower back, while females are adorned in rufous-bro...
Found primarily in the understory of humid lowland evergreen forests, including primary growth, mature secondary growth, and sometimes shaded cacao plantations adjacent to forest. It prefers areas with dense vegetation, often near ravines or tangles.
Feeds predominantly on insects, including ants, beetles, orthopterans, and spiders, supplemented by other small invertebrates. It primarily forages by catching prey flushed by army ant swarms.
This diurnal species is a quintessential ant-following specialist, spending much of its day tracking army ant swarms (especially *Eciton burchelli* and *Labidus praedator*) to prey on insects and other invertebrates flushed by the ants. It employs a darting and snatching technique, perching low a...
The East Amazonian Fire-eye (*Pyriglena leuconota*) is resident across a significant portion of eastern Brazil. Its distribution encompasses the Amazon basin east of the Tocantins and Araguaia rivers, extending south through the Atlantic Forest biome. Specific populations are found in eastern Par...
Least Concern
- The dazzling ruby-red eyes are not just beautiful, but also a key distinguishing feature that gives the species its 'fire-eye' name. - It is a primary 'obligate ant-follower,' meaning it relies heavily on army ant swarms to flush out prey, a specialized foraging strategy. - Despite its bold app...