Pyriglena atra
The Fringe-backed Fire-eye, *Pyriglena atra*, is a striking and enigmatic antbird endemic to the threatened Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 in) in length and weighing 25-30 g (0.9-1.1 oz), males are entirely glossy black with piercing, bright red irises, giving them their 'fire-eye' moniker. Females share the black plumage and vivid red eyes but possess a distinctive white interscapular patch, the 'fringe-back,' which is a key field mark for i...
Found primarily in the dense understory of humid lowland and montane Atlantic Forest, including both primary and well-developed secondary growth. It typically occurs from sea level up to elevations of about 1000-1200 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods including cockroaches, crickets, beetles, and spiders, usually captured by following army ant swarms.
Fringe-backed Fire-eyes are active during daylight hours, often engaging in their characteristic behavior of following army ant swarms (*Eciton burchellii*, *Labidus praedator*) to capture insects and other arthropods flushed by the ants. They perch low in the understory, making short, darting fl...
The Fringe-backed Fire-eye is strictly endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil. Its distribution extends from coastal Sergipe south through Bahia, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina states. The species is largely resident, showi...
Vulnerable
- The 'Fire-eye' in its name refers to its striking bright red iris, which contrasts sharply with its dark plumage. - The 'Fringe-backed' part of its name specifically describes the female, which has a distinct white patch on her lower back, a feature absent in the male. - This species is an obli...