Sakesphorus luctuosus
The Glossy Antshrike (Sakesphorus luctuosus) is a striking member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), renowned for its pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are entirely glossy black, often appearing deep indigo in certain light, with a distinctive white patch on the wing coverts that is sometimes concealed. They measure approximately 16-17 cm in length and weigh around 25-30 grams, possessing a stout, hooked bill adapted for gleaning insects. Females present a dramatically different plumag...
Found primarily in riparian thickets, gallery forest edges, shrubby river islands, and overgrown clearings, always in close proximity to water bodies. Typically occurs at low elevations, generally below 500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other arthropods such as spiders and caterpillars. Occasionally consumes small vertebrates.
The Glossy Antshrike is a diurnal species, often secretive and preferring to forage in the dense cover of its preferred habitat. It typically forages singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks with other antbirds or ovenbirds, systematically gleaning insects and other arthropods ...
The Glossy Antshrike is a widespread resident throughout northern South America, primarily within the vast Amazon Basin and its peripheral lowlands. Its distribution encompasses eastern Colombia, southern and eastern Venezuela, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and significant port...
Least Concern
- One of the most sexually dimorphic antshrikes, with males being entirely glossy black and females a striking rufous and black. - Their name 'luctuosus' means 'mournful' in Latin, possibly referring to the male's dark, somber plumage. - Often referred to as a 'riparian specialist' due to its str...