Sipia berlepschi
The Stub-tailed Antbird (*Sipia berlepschi*) is a captivating member of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae), renowned for its distinctive short tail and secretive habits within the dense undergrowth of Neotropical forests. Measuring approximately 13.5–14 cm (5.3–5.5 inches) in length and weighing 20–24 grams (0.7–0.8 ounces), males are characterized by their overall dark slate-gray plumage, black throat, and small white interscapular patch, while females present a striking rufous-brown colora...
Found primarily in humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, often in dense undergrowth, ravines, and along forest edges near streams, typically at elevations from sea level up to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet).
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, spiders, and other small arthropods, often acquired by gleaning from vegetation or capturing prey disturbed by army ant swarms.
Stub-tailed Antbirds are predominantly diurnal, usually observed as solitary individuals or in pairs, foraging quietly in the dense understory. Their primary foraging strategy involves gleaning arthropods from leaves and branches, often within 1-2 meters of the ground, and they are well-known for...
The Stub-tailed Antbird has a restricted but generally stable range primarily within the humid Chocó biogeographic region of western South America. Its distribution extends from extreme eastern Panama (specifically Darién province), south through western Colombia, and into western Ecuador, reachi...
Least Concern
- The Stub-tailed Antbird is one of several 'Antbirds' that are known to actively follow army ant swarms, capitalizing on the insects flushed by the ants. - Its genus, *Sipia*, was recently re-erected from *Myrmeciza*, reflecting a deeper understanding of antbird phylogeny through molecular studi...