Antbirds
Antbirds
Thamnophilidae
The Shadowy Stalkers of the Rainforest: Antbirds (family Thamnophilidae) may not be the flashiest birds of the Neotropics, but they are some of the most fascinating. These small to medium-sized, often dark-plumaged birds thrive in the dense undergrowth of Central and South American rainforests, where they lead secretive lives in the shadows. What makes them truly special? Their unusual relationship with army ants. Unlike most birds, which hunt independently, many antbirds are professional “ant-followers.” When swarms of army ants march through the forest, flushing out insects and small creatures in their path, antbirds swoop in to snatch up the fleeing prey. The ants do all the hard work, and the birds reap the rewards. Some species, like the Black-headed Antthrush (Formicarius nigricapillus), follow ants occasionally, while others, like the obligate ant-following Bicolored Antbird (Gymnopithys bicolor), rely almost entirely on these ant-driven buffets. Despite their name, antbirds don’t actually eat the ants themselves—just whatever gets flushed out by the swarming chaos. Their cryptic plumage helps them blend into the dim rainforest floor, and their sharp, chattering calls make them easier to hear than to see. Elusive, mysterious, and perfectly adapted to life in the undergrowth, antbirds are the hidden specialists of the jungle. Spotting one in the wild isn’t always easy, but if you hear the distant rustling of an ant swarm, chances are an antbird isn’t far behind.