Myrmotherula longipennis
The Long-winged Antwren (Myrmotherula longipennis) is a diminutive and active member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), inhabiting the understory and mid-story of humid Neotropical forests. Measuring approximately 10-11 cm (4 inches) in length and weighing a mere 8-10 grams, it exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly slate-gray, adorned with a contrasting black throat patch and black wings intricately barred with two prominent white stripes; their namesake 'long wing...
This species primarily inhabits the understory and mid-story of humid evergreen forests, found in both terra firme (non-flooded) and várzea (seasonally flooded) forest types, from sea level up to approximately 1400 meters.
The diet of the Long-winged Antwren consists almost exclusively of small arthropods, including insects (such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars) and spiders, which it gleans meticulously from foliage and bark.
The Long-winged Antwren is a highly active and restless diurnal species, constantly on the move through the dense forest foliage. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning small insects and spiders from leaves, twigs, and small branches, often hanging upside down or performing short, rapid ...
The Long-winged Antwren is widely distributed across the Amazon Basin and adjacent regions of northern South America, primarily inhabiting the lowlands and foothills up to elevations of approximately 1400-1500 meters. Its extensive breeding range spans from southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador,...
Least Concern
- The "Long-winged" in its name refers to its relatively elongated primary feathers, a feature useful for identification among similar-looking antwrens. - It is a core member of the diverse antbird family (Thamnophilidae), a group known for its insectivorous habits and significant radiation in Ne...