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Photo: © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S25307864 Macaulay Library ML 20284191
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Sooty Ant-tanager

Habia gutturalis
Habia Ceniza
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Song

Sooty Ant-tanager

Appearance: The Sooty Ant-tanager is a medium-sized bird, characterized by its sooty-gray plumage. It has a bright red throat and upper chest, which contrasts with its darker body. The bird's wings and tail are slightly darker than the rest of its body, and it has a stout bill typical of tanagers.
Habitat: This species is found in lowland and foothill forests, in humid and semi-humid environments. It prefers dense undergrowth and forest edges, often near water bodies. The Sooty Ant-tanager is known to inhabit secondary growth and disturbed areas, which provides it with a variety of feeding opportunities.
Behavior:  Sooty Ant-tanagers are shy and elusive, often remaining hidden in dense foliage. They are known to forage in pairs or small family groups, feeding on insects and other arthropods, as well as fruits. Their foraging behavior involves moving through the underbrush, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks.
Breeding: The breeding season of the Sooty Ant-tanager coincides with the rainy season when food resources are abundant. They build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation, often close to the ground. Both parents are involved in feeding and caring for the young. Specific details about their breeding habits, such as clutch size and incubation period, are not well-documented.
Conservation Status: The Sooty Ant-tanager is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Distribution

The Sooty Ant-tanager is endemic to Colombia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its distribution is primarily in the northern and central parts of the country, including the Magdalena Valley and the foothills of the Andes of Antioquia, and Santander. It is most commonly found at elevations ranging from sea level up to about 1,400 meters.

Taxonomy

The Sooty Ant-tanager (Habia gutturalis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Cardinalidae
  • Genus: Habia
  • Species: Habia gutturalis

Vocalization

The Sooty Ant-tanager is a bird species endemic to the lowland forests of Colombia. It is known for its distinctive vocalizations and behaviors, which serve various purposes in its natural habitat
Vocalizations

Song: The Sooty Ant-tanager has a series of melodious whistles and trills. These songs are often used for communication between individuals, especially during the breeding season, to establish territory and attract mates.

Calls: Besides their songs, they produce a range of calls, including sharp chips and chatters. These calls are often used to signal alarm or alert other members of their group to the presence of predators or other threats.
Communication: Vocalizations facilitate communication between members of the same species. This is important for coordinating activities such as foraging and alerting others to danger.

Alarm Signaling: Sharp calls can serve as alarm signals to warn other birds of potential predators, helping the group stay alert and safe. Vocalizations of the Sooty Ant-tanager are integral to its survival and reproductive success in its natural habitat.