Dysithamnus xanthopterus
The Rufous-backed Antvireo (Dysithamnus xanthopterus) is a captivating, small antbird belonging to the Thamnophilidae family, endemic to the humid montane cloud forests of the Andes. Males are particularly striking, sporting a rich rufous-chestnut back that gives the species its name, contrasting with a dark grey head, olive-grey underparts, and distinct yellow wing bars formed by the edges of their coverts and remiges. Females share the rufous back but exhibit an olive-tinged head and underp...
Humid montane cloud forests and forest edges, typically at elevations between 1,200 and 2,600 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small arthropods gleaned from foliage, twigs, and bark.
The Rufous-backed Antvireo is a diurnal, relatively inconspicuous bird that often forages solitarily or in pairs, though it frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly those including other antbirds or ovenbirds, which are common in its Andean habitat. Its primary foraging techni...
The Rufous-backed Antvireo is found across a fragmented but extensive range along the humid slopes of the Andes in South America. Its distribution spans from the northern extreme in the coastal mountains of northern Venezuela (Cordillera de la Costa) and the Sierra de Perijá, through the Andes of...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, *Dysithamnus xanthopterus*, translates roughly to 'ill-fortuned bush-dweller with yellow wings,' reflecting its somewhat retiring nature and distinct wing coloration. - Despite its 'antvireo' name, it is not closely related to true vireos (Vireonidae) but belongs to the ant...