Myrmoderus ferrugineus
The Ferruginous-backed Antbird (*Myrmoderus ferrugineus*) is a striking and highly specialized passerine native to the humid lowland forests of northeastern South America. Measuring approximately 17-18 cm (6.7-7.1 inches) in length and weighing between 31-38 grams, this stout antbird is characterized by its rich, uniform rufous-chestnut upperparts, wings, and tail, giving it its namesake 'ferruginous' appearance. A key identification feature for the male is its prominent white throat and uppe...
This species primarily inhabits the understory of humid lowland evergreen forests, particularly favoring areas with dense thickets, tangles, and recent treefalls, typically at elevations below 500 meters.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of insects and other small arthropods, primarily those disturbed and flushed from the forest floor by army ant swarms, which it captures by sallying from low perches.
The Ferruginous-backed Antbird is a diurnal and rather secretive bird, spending most of its time on or near the forest floor. Its most remarkable behavioral trait is its specialized foraging strategy: it is an obligate attendant of army ant swarms, particularly those of species like *Eciton burch...
The Ferruginous-backed Antbird is a non-migratory resident species, found exclusively in the northeastern Amazon basin of South America. Its distribution spans eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil. In Brazil, its range is primarily north of the Amazon River and ...
Least Concern
- The Ferruginous-backed Antbird is one of the classic 'obligate army-ant followers,' meaning it heavily relies on army ant swarms to find its food. - It was historically classified in the genus *Formicarius*, but molecular studies led to its reclassification into *Myrmoderus* alongside other 'gr...