Ampelornis griseiceps
The Grey-headed Antbird (Ampelornis griseiceps) is a small, relatively drab, yet distinctive passerine bird belonging to the antbird family Thamnophilidae. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5-5.5 inches) in length and weighing 14-16 grams (0.5 ounces), it is characterized by its aptly named grey head and breast, which contrast subtly with its olive-brown upperparts, wings, and flanks, transitioning to a whitish belly. Males typically exhibit a more pronounced grey, while females appear duller...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, including cloud forests, forest borders, and dense secondary growth, typically at elevations between 1,200 and 2,400 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods including beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and spiders, gleaned from low vegetation.
Typically observed alone or in pairs, the Grey-headed Antbird is a shy and inconspicuous inhabitant of the dense forest understory, often staying low to the ground. Its foraging strategy involves actively gleaning arthropods, mainly insects, from foliage, branches, and vines, but unlike some antb...
The Grey-headed Antbird is endemic to the western slopes of the Andes, with its distribution spanning southern Ecuador and northern Peru. In Ecuador, it is found in the provinces of El Oro, Loja, and Zamora-Chinchipe. Its range extends south into Peru, encompassing the regions of Cajamarca, Piura...
Least Concern
- The Grey-headed Antbird is the sole species in its genus, Ampelornis, highlighting its unique evolutionary path within the diverse antbird family. - Its scientific name 'griseiceps' literally means 'grey-headed,' a direct reference to one of its most defining physical features. - Despite being ...