Hypoedaleus guttatus
The Spot-backed Antshrike (*Hypoedaleus guttatus*) is a striking and relatively large member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), readily identified by its heavily spotted plumage. Males boast blackish upperparts dramatically marked with white spots, transitioning to white underparts distinctly streaked and spotted with black. Its crown is black with white spots, and it sports a long, broad, black tail tipped and barred with white. Females mirror this pattern but are generally duller, with...
Found primarily in the canopy and dense understory of subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, particularly the Atlantic Forest biome, and also inhabits forest edges and advanced secondary growth up to 1000 meters elevation.
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods, such as spiders, which it gleans from foliage, bark, and vine tangles in the forest canopy and understory.
Spot-backed Antshrikes are diurnal and typically encountered singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks high in the forest canopy. They are active insectivores, meticulously gleaning arthropods from foliage, bark, and vine tangles, often using their strong, hooked bill...
The Spot-backed Antshrike is a resident species distributed across southeastern South America, primarily within the Atlantic Forest biome. Its breeding and year-round range extends throughout southeastern Brazil, from Bahia south through Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Pa...
Least Concern
- It is the sole species in its genus, *Hypoedaleus*, making it taxonomically unique among antshrikes. - Despite its name, it is a relatively large antshrike, measuring up to 22 cm in length. - Its distinctive spotted plumage makes it one of the most easily identifiable antshrikes in its range. -...