Hormiguero de Parker
Parker's Antbird
Cercomacroides parkeri
Song
Parker's Antbird
Appearance: Parker's Antbird has a dark plumage with subtle differences between males and females. Males have darker, more uniform coloring, while females may have slightly lighter or more varied tones. Like many antbirds, it has a short tail and a sturdy bill adapted for its insectivorous diet.
Habitat: This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is found at elevations ranging from 800 to 1800 m above sea level. Parker's Antbird favors dense understory vegetation where it can forage and find cover.
Behavior: It feeds on insects and other small arthropods. It may follow army ant swarms to catch prey flushed out by the ants. It tends to forage in the lower strata of the forest, often in pairs or small family groups.
Breeding: The breeding habits of Parker's Antbird are not documented, but like many antbirds, it likely builds a cup-shaped nest in dense vegetation. They lay small clutch of eggs, and both parents are involved in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation Status: Parker's Antbird is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Parker's Antbird is endemic to Colombia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It is found on the western slopes of the Andes, particularly in the departments of Antioquia, Chocó, Caldas, and Risaralda. Some populations may be present in protected areas, which offer some level of habitat preservation.
Taxonomy
The Parker's Antbird (Cercomacroides parkeri)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thamnophilidae
- Genus: Cercomacroides
- Species: Cercomacroides parkeri
Vocalization
Song and Calls: Parker's Antbird is known for its vocalizations, which include a series of sharp, repetitive notes. These vocalizations are used for various purposes, such as territory defense, mate attraction, and communication between pairs.
Territorial Calls: Males often use loud, clear calls to establish and defend their territory from rival males. The calls serve as auditory signals to deter intruders and maintain boundaries.
Duets: In some cases, pairs may engage in duets, where both the male and female participate in a coordinated vocal exchange. This behavior strengthens pair bonds and aids in cooperative territory defense.
Purpose
Territory Defense: Vocalizations are crucial for maintaining territories. By vocalizing, they can assert their presence and ward off potential competitors without the need for physical confrontation.
Mate Attraction and Pair Bonding: Males use vocalizations to attract females during the breeding season. Once paired, vocal exchanges help reinforce the bond between mates and coordinate breeding activities.
Communication: Vocalizations facilitate communication between individuals, especially in the dense forest understory where visual contact may be limited. Calls can convey information about identity, location, and emotional state.
Alarm Calls: Although specific studies on Parker's Antbird's alarm calls might be limited they may use vocal signals to alert others to the presence of predators or other threats.
Vocalizations are integral to the social structure and survival of Parker's Antbird, helping them navigate their complex forest environment.
