Rhegmatorhina melanosticta
The Hairy-crested Antbird, a true gem of the Amazonian understory, is an obligate attendant of army ant swarms, making it a highly sought-after species for keen birders. This medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 14-15 cm and weighing 25-30 grams, is instantly recognizable by its striking black head adorned with a prominent, erectile crest-the source of its common name. Males boast a glossy black head, a vivid patch of bare blue skin around the eye, and a rich rufous-chestnut body, whil...
Found exclusively in lowland humid tropical and subtropical primary rainforests, often favoring areas with dense undergrowth or near water sources, typically occurring below 900 meters elevation.
Feeds almost exclusively on insects, spiders, and other arthropods that are flushed from the forest floor by advancing army ant swarms. It does not consume the ants themselves.
The Hairy-crested Antbird is renowned for its obligate association with army ant swarms, spending nearly all its active daylight hours following these nomadic insect armies, primarily *Eciton burchellii*. It perches silently, usually 1-2 meters above the ground, making swift, agile sallies to sna...
The Hairy-crested Antbird is widely distributed across the western and central Amazon Basin, primarily resident throughout its range. Its distribution spans southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and much of western Brazil, extending into some central Brazilian states...
Least Concern
- The Hairy-crested Antbird is an obligate ant-follower, meaning it relies almost entirely on army ant swarms to find its food. - It doesn't eat the army ants themselves but preys on the numerous arthropods flushed out by the ants' foraging activities. - Its striking blue bare facial skin is a pr...