Pithys castaneus
The White-masked Antbird (*Pithys castaneus*) is a medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5-5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 18-22 grams, distinguished by its strikingly unique plumage. Its most remarkable feature is a vivid white facial mask, encompassing the lores, chin, and throat, which sharply contrasts with its otherwise rich, deep rufous-chestnut underparts. The crown, back, wings, and tail are a dark brown, sometimes with a subtle purplish sheen, completing...
Lowland tropical moist evergreen forest, primarily terra firme, often near oxbow lakes or along forest edges. Found at elevations typically between 150-300 meters (500-1000 feet).
Primarily insectivorous, consuming various insects and other small arthropods that are disturbed and flushed by army ant swarms.
Active during daylight hours, the White-masked Antbird is most often observed singly or in pairs, typically skulking in the forest understory. It is a classic obligate ant-follower, perching low to the ground and making short, agile sallies to capture insects and other arthropods flushed by army ...
The White-masked Antbird possesses an extremely restricted and disjunct range, confined entirely to a small portion of northeastern Peru. Its known distribution is primarily within the humid lowland forests of the Department of Loreto, specifically south of the Río Napo, east of the Río Tigre, an...
Vulnerable
- The White-masked Antbird is an obligate ant-follower, relying almost entirely on army ants to flush out its insect prey. - This species is known from only a handful of localities in a tiny, restricted region of northeastern Peru, making it one of the most geographically limited antbirds. - Its ...