White-cheeked Antbird

The White-cheeked Antbird (Gymnopithys leucaspis) is a member of the antbird family Thamnophilidae, an insectivorous bird with a distinctive appearance. It was first described by the English zoologist Philip Sclater in 1855.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its contrasting plumage, with notable white cheeks that stand out against its darker feathers. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males and females having different coloration patterns.

Habitat

The White-cheeked Antbird thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where the dense foliage provides cover and ample feeding opportunities.

Distribution

The bird is found east of the Andes in South America, with its range extending across Ecuador, Colombia, northern Peru, and western Brazil.

Behaviour

The White-cheeked Antbird is known for its specialized feeding behavior, often following swarms of army ants to catch prey flushed out by the ants' activity.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the White-cheeked Antbird are characteristic of its species, with a repertoire that is used for communication and territory defense.

Breeding

Information on the breeding habits of the White-cheeked Antbird is essential for understanding its life cycle and reproductive strategies.

Similar Species

Previously considered conspecific with the Bicolored Antbird, the White-cheeked Antbird was split into a separate species based on genetic studies. It is closely related to the Rufous-throated Antbird.

Diet and Feeding

As an insectivorous bird, the White-cheeked Antbird's diet primarily consists of insects, which it adeptly hunts in its forest habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the White-cheeked Antbird as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.