Chamaeza campanisona
The Short-tailed Antthrush, *Chamaeza campanisona*, is a distinctive and elusive passerine endemic to the Neotropics, renowned more for its haunting, bell-like vocalizations than its physical presence. Averaging 19 cm (7.5 in) in length and weighing around 70-80 grams, it is characterized by its compact, robust body, powerful legs, and notably short tail. Its plumage is predominantly olive-brown on the upperparts, contrasting sharply with a prominent white throat and a buffy supercilium. The ...
Found primarily in the understory of humid montane and lowland evergreen forests, often in steep ravines or areas with dense bamboo thickets. It occupies elevations ranging from sea level up to 3,000 meters, preferring areas with abundant leaf litter.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of invertebrates, including ants, beetles, orthopterans, spiders, and insect larvae. Foraging occurs by gleaning prey from the forest floor, leaf litter, and low vegetation.
The Short-tailed Antthrush is a highly terrestrial and diurnal species, spending nearly all its time hopping and running silently on the forest floor or on low perches. Its foraging strategy involves meticulously gleaning invertebrates from leaf litter, moss-covered logs, and decaying wood, often...
The Short-tailed Antthrush boasts an expansive distribution throughout Central and South America, making it one of the most widespread antthrushes. Its range extends from southern Mexico, through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In South America, it is found widely across C...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'campanisona' is derived from Latin, meaning 'bell-like sounding,' a direct reference to its distinctive, ringing song. - Despite its widespread distribution, it is one of the most notoriously difficult Neotropical birds to observe due to its shy, skulking habits. - Its disp...