Myrmotherula menetriesii
The Grey Antwren, *Myrmotherula menetriesii*, is a diminutive yet striking member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), measuring a mere 9-10 cm in length and weighing just 7-9 grams. Males are characterized by their sleek grey plumage, contrasting sharply with a black throat and upper breast, and distinct white wingbars. Females present a more subdued appearance, featuring olive-brown upperparts, buffy underparts, and duller wingbars, showcasing clear sexual dimorphism. This species is an ...
This species primarily inhabits the mid-story and sub-canopy of humid lowland evergreen forests, preferring dense vegetation and vine tangles. It is typically found at elevations below 1000 meters, often much lower.
The Grey Antwren's diet consists almost exclusively of small arthropods, including various insects and spiders. It primarily forages by gleaning prey from foliage and twigs in the forest mid-story and canopy.
The Grey Antwren is a highly active, diurnal bird, constantly on the move as it forages for insects. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning small arthropods from the undersides of leaves and along thin branches, often hanging upside down to reach prey. They are highly social, almost inva...
The Grey Antwren boasts an extensive resident range across the Amazon Basin and the Guianan Shield, inhabiting humid lowland evergreen forests. Its distribution spans eastern Colombia, southern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and a vast portion of northern and central Brazil, extendin...
Least Concern
- Despite its small size, the Grey Antwren is a crucial participant in the large, mixed-species foraging flocks that define Neotropical forest bird communities. - Its distinctive grey and black plumage in males, coupled with its small stature, makes it relatively easy to identify even in the dens...