Large-billed Antwren

Herpsilochmus longirostris

The Large-billed Antwren (Herpsilochmus longirostris) is a captivating, small passerine bird, endemic to the woodlands and savannas of central South America. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 in) in length and weighing around 8-10 g (0.3-0.35 oz), it exhibits classic antwren features with distinctive markings. Males sport a striking black crown and supercilium, contrasting with a prominent white supercilium, gray upperparts, and clean white underparts, punctuated by two crisp white wi...

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits the mid-story and subcanopy of tropical dry forests, cerradão, gallery forests, and woodland edges, typically at elevations from sea level up to around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, the Large-billed Antwren feeds on small arthropods, including insects and spiders, which it gleans from foliage and bark in the mid-canopy.

Behavior

The Large-billed Antwren is a diurnal and highly active insectivore, typically foraging from dawn until dusk, often participating in mixed-species flocks. Its foraging strategy involves actively gleaning small arthropods from leaves, twigs, and bark, often hovering briefly or making short sallies...

Range

The Large-billed Antwren is a non-migratory resident species found across a significant, albeit fragmented, range in central South America. Its primary distribution extends through central and northeastern Bolivia, western and central Paraguay, and widespread areas of Brazil, encompassing the sta...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Large-billed Antwren's relatively long bill allows it to probe more deeply into crevices and curled leaves than many of its antwren relatives. - It is a key member of mixed-species foraging flocks in its South American dry forest habitats, often leading or influencing the flock's movements....

Back to Encyclopedia