Myrmelastes hyperythrus
The Plumbeous Antbird (*Myrmelastes hyperythrus*) is a striking member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), renowned for its understated yet elegant plumage. Measuring approximately 16 cm (6.3 inches) in length and weighing between 25-30 grams, this species is characterized by its predominantly dark plumbeous (lead-gray) body, offering a stark contrast to its vivid rufous belly, vent, and undertail coverts - a distinctive field mark crucial for identification in the dim forest understory. ...
Found in humid lowland evergreen forests, particularly *terra firme* and seasonally flooded *várzea* forests, often near streams or swamps. It typically inhabits elevations from sea level up to 1000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects (e.g., beetles, ants, grasshoppers) and other arthropods like spiders. It forages by gleaning from vegetation and the ground, often associating with army ant swarms.
This diurnal antbird primarily forages in the forest understory, usually 1-3 meters above the ground, often individually or in pairs. It employs a gleaning foraging strategy, making short hops and quick sallies to snatch insects and other arthropods from foliage, branches, and the forest floor. W...
The Plumbeous Antbird is a resident species found exclusively within the Western Amazon Basin of South America. Its distribution spans southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, western Brazil, and northern Bolivia. There are three recognized subspecies, each with slightly distinc...
Least Concern
- The name 'Plumbeous' refers to its lead-gray (plumbeous) body, while 'hyperythrus' comes from Greek, meaning 'deep red below,' perfectly describing its rufous belly. - While many antbirds are obligate army ant followers, the Plumbeous Antbird is a facultative follower, meaning it takes advantag...