Zeledon's Antbird

Zeledon's antbird, a member of the Thamnophilidae family, is a bird that exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male and female of the species display distinct plumage, with the male typically showcasing darker feathers.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify Zeledon's antbird, one should note the differences between the sexes. The male is generally darker, which can be a key characteristic in distinguishing it from other species.

Habitat

This species thrives in the humid forests, where it can be found at low levels, providing a specific environment that supports its lifestyle and feeding habits.

Distribution

Zeledon's antbird has a range that extends from Nicaragua through Panama and into the Chocó region of western Colombia and western Ecuador. This geographical spread offers birdwatchers ample opportunity to observe the species across several Central and South American countries.

Behaviour

Observing the behaviour of Zeledon's antbird can be quite fascinating, as it is known to follow swarms of army ants. This strategy allows the antbird to catch insects that are flushed out by the moving ant columns. However, unlike some of its relatives, Zeledon's antbird is not an obligate ant-follower, meaning it does not solely rely on ant swarms for its food.

Breeding

The breeding habits of Zeledon's antbird were documented in a notable first breeding record, providing insights into its reproductive behaviour.

Similar Species

Previously, Zeledon's antbird was considered a subspecies of the blue-lored antbird, indicating that there are similar species within its range that may require careful observation to differentiate.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of Zeledon's antbird primarily consists of insects. Its feeding technique involves taking advantage of the disturbances caused by army ant swarms to capture its prey.

Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, Zeledon's antbird is currently classified as Least Concern, suggesting that, for now, the species does not face immediate threats to its survival.

Song & calls

For those keen on the auditory experience of birdwatching, audio recordings of Zeledon's antbird's calls can be found, providing a valuable tool for identification and appreciation of its vocalizations.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies of Zeledon's antbird, H. z. zeledoni and H. z. berlepschi, which are geographically distributed from south Nicaragua to west Panama and from east Panama to west Ecuador, respectively.