Ocellated Antbird

The Ocellated Antbird, a member of the Thamnophilidae family, is a distinctive bird species that is the sole representative of the genus Phaenostictus. This bird is known for its striking plumage and the large, bare blue skin surrounding its eye. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 19 cm in length and weighing approximately 50 grams.

Identification Tips

Adult Ocellated Antbirds exhibit sexual monomorphism, meaning males and females share similar plumage and bare part coloration. They have a black head and throat, a grey crown, and a rufous nape. The upperparts and wing coverts are olive brown with black spots, while the breast is rufous and the belly olive brown, both adorned with large black spots. The bill is notably large and black. Juveniles can be distinguished by their darker crowns, brighter rufous areas, and reduced or absent spotting.

Habitat

The Ocellated Antbird is a bird of the rainforest, favoring the understory of lowland and hill primary rainforests, as well as secondary forests. It thrives close to the forest floor and is typically found at elevations up to 1,200 meters in Costa Rica, though it is more commonly seen below 400 meters in Ecuador.

Distribution

This species ranges from Honduras to Ecuador, with three recognized subspecies: P. m. saturatus in northern and eastern Honduras through to western Panama, P. m. mcleannani in the remainder of Panama and western Colombia, and P. m. pacificus in southern coastal Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.

Behaviour

Ocellated Antbirds are obligate followers of army ant swarms, such as Eciton burchellii, rarely foraging away from these swarms. They are dominant among other ant-following species and exhibit an unusual social structure, forming clans centered around a breeding pair, their male offspring, and their mates. These clans cooperate to defend their territories.

Breeding

The species' breeding biology is characterized by group cooperation. The open nest cup, which holds a clutch of two eggs, was only recently described, shedding light on the reproductive habits of these communal birds.

Similar Species

While the Ocellated Antbird is unique within its genus, it may be confused with other antbird species. However, its large size, distinctive blue facial skin, and spotted plumage make it quite recognizable.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Ocellated Antbird consists primarily of insects, arthropods, and occasionally small lizards. They are adept at capturing prey flushed out by the movements of army ant swarms.

Conservation status

The Ocellated Antbird is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.