Phaenostictus mcleannani
The Ocellated Antbird, *Phaenostictus mcleannani*, is a striking and highly specialized passerine belonging to the antbird family Thamnophilidae, renowned for its obligate association with army ant swarms. This medium-sized bird measures approximately 18-19 cm (7-7.5 inches) in length and typically weighs between 40-50 grams (1.4-1.8 oz). Its plumage features rufous-brown upperparts that transition to warm brown on the back, wings, and tail. The most distinctive field marks are the prominent ...
Primarily inhabits the understory of humid evergreen and semi-deciduous primary forests, as well as mature secondary growth, typically from sea level up to 1,200 meters (occasionally 1,500 meters) in elevation.
Feeds almost exclusively on arthropods, including various insects, spiders, and myriapods, which it captures by sallying from low perches to seize prey flushed by advancing army ant swarms.
The Ocellated Antbird is a diurnal, highly specialized obligate ant-follower, dedicating much of its active period to shadowing army ant swarms, predominantly *Eciton burchellii*. It typically forages alone or in pairs, perching low to the ground and making short, agile sallies to snatch insects,...
The Ocellated Antbird is a resident species distributed across humid lowland and foothill forests of Central and South America. Its northernmost extent reaches extreme eastern Honduras, continuing southward through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In South America, its range includes western an...
Least Concern
- The Ocellated Antbird is an obligate ant-follower, meaning it relies almost entirely on army ant swarms to flush out its prey, a rare and specialized feeding strategy. - It is the sole member of its genus, *Phaenostictus*, making it a monotypic species and highlighting its unique evolutionary p...