Myrmotherula pacifica
The Pacific Antwren (*Myrmotherula pacifica*) is a diminutive and active member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), measuring approximately 9-10 cm (3.5-4 inches) in length and weighing around 7-9 grams. Males are striking with their dark slate-gray to black plumage, prominently adorned with distinct white wing-bars formed by white-tipped coverts, often complemented by a black throat. Females exhibit a more subdued, olive-brown upperparts and buffy underparts, with less conspicuous buff w...
Primarily inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, including mature secondary growth and forest edges, generally from sea level up to 900-1,100 meters elevation.
Consists mainly of small insects and other arthropods, which it actively gleans from the undersides of leaves and twigs.
This highly active antwren constantly moves through the understory and mid-story foliage, foraging primarily by gleaning small arthropods from leaves and twigs, often hanging upside down to inspect hidden surfaces. It frequently integrates into mixed-species foraging flocks, where it can act as a...
The Pacific Antwren is a resident species endemic to the humid Pacific slope of extreme eastern Panama, western Colombia, and western Ecuador, extending southward into northwestern Peru. In Panama, its distribution is concentrated in the Darién Province. Throughout Colombia, it occupies the entir...
Least Concern
- The Pacific Antwren often acts as a 'nuclear species' in mixed-species foraging flocks, with other bird species following its movements through the forest. - Despite its common name, antwrens don't primarily feed on army ants, but rather glean a wide variety of small arthropods. - Its diminutiv...