Hormiguerito Rabilargo
East Andean Antbird
Drymophila caudata
Song
East Andean Antbird
Appearance: The East Andean Antbird is a small bird characterized by its striking plumage. Males and females are sexually dimorphic, meaning different appearances. Males have a dark gray to black body with contrasting white or light gray streaks on their underparts and wings. Females, on the other hand, tend to have a more brownish or rufous tone, with similar streaking patterns. Both sexes have long tails, which they often flick while moving through their habitat.
Habitat: This endemic species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is found at elevations ranging from 1500 to 2700 m. The East Andean Antbird prefers dense undergrowth and forest edges, where it can maneuver through the thick vegetation in search of food.
Behavior: East Andean Antbirds are known for their active and agile behavior. They are often seen foraging in pairs or small family groups. Their diet consists of insects and other small invertebrates, which they glean from leaves and branches. These birds are also known for their particular vocalizations used for communication between mates and to establish territory.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of the East Andean Antbird is not extensively documented, but like many antbirds, they are monogamous, with pairs forming long-term bonds. They build their nests in dense vegetation, and both parents are involved in raising the young. The nest is cup-shaped, constructed from plant fibers and other materials.
Conservation Status: The East Andean Antbird is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Despite this relatively stable status, its habitat is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation, due to agricultural expansion and logging.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The East Andean Antbird is found along the eastern slopes of the Andes. Its range extends across several departments, including areas such as Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Santander. and southern departments of Huila, Tolima, and Cauca. The species is adapted to the specific ecological conditions of the Andean region, making it an important part of Colombia's avian biodiversity.
Taxonomy
The East Andean Antbird (Drymophila caudata)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thamnophilidae
- Genus: Drymophila
- Species: Drymophila caudata
Vocalization
The East Andean Antbird is known for its vocalizations, which are important for communication in dense forest habitats where these birds are found.
The vocalizations of the East Andean Antbird are characterized by a series of sharp, clear notes that can be described as whistles or trills. These calls are often used to establish territory, attract mates, and communicate with other members of their species.
The song of the East Andean Antbird consists of a series of rapid, repeated notes that can vary in pitch and rhythm, often delivered in a consistent pattern.
These vocalizations are crucial for maintaining contact between pairs and groups given the dense underbrush of their Andean forest environment where visual contact can be limited.
