Thamnophilus pelzelni
The Planalto Slaty Antshrike (Thamnophilus pelzelni) is a subtly elegant passerine, measuring approximately 16 cm (6.3 inches) in length and weighing between 21 and 27 grams. Males are predominantly slaty-grey, often with a darker, sometimes blackish, cap and two distinct white wing-bars, creating a crisp contrast against the darker plumage. Females exhibit marked sexual dimorphism, sporting olive-brown upperparts, a striking rufous crown, buffy-yellowish underparts, and similar white wing-ba...
This antshrike primarily inhabits the understory and lower strata of subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, montane forests, and shrubby secondary growth, often at elevations up to 2000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other arthropods, which it gleans from foliage and branches.
The Planalto Slaty Antshrike is a diurnal and often secretive bird, typically observed foraging in pairs within dense vegetation. It employs a gleaning strategy, actively searching for insects and other arthropods on leaves and branches, occasionally making short sallies to capture prey. This spe...
The Planalto Slaty Antshrike has a relatively restricted but stable distribution across south-central South America. Its breeding range extends from southeastern Bolivia, through Paraguay, and into significant portions of southern Brazil, including the states of Mato Grosso, São Paulo, Paraná, Sa...
Least Concern
- This species was named in honor of August von Pelzeln, an Austrian ornithologist who conducted extensive research in Brazil. - Despite its 'slaty' name, the female Planalto Slaty Antshrike has a strikingly different olive-brown and rufous plumage. - Its distinctive accelerating, ringing song is...