Dusky antbird

The dusky antbird, also known as the tyrannine antbird, is a small bird belonging to the antbird family. It inhabits the tropical regions of Central and South America, from southeastern Mexico to western Ecuador and the Amazon in Brazil. This species was first described by Philip Sclater in 1855 as Pyriglena tyrannina. It was later classified under the genus Cercomacra until a 2014 study revealed that the genus was polyphyletic, indicating it comprised species that were not all closely related. Consequently, the dusky antbird and five other species were reassigned to a new genus called Cercomacroides.

Dusky antbirds primarily reside in the dense undergrowth of wet forests, particularly near edges, clearings, and tall second-growth vegetation. The female lays two white eggs speckled with reddish-brown spots. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs in a small, deep nest made of plant fibers and dead leaves, which hangs from a thin branch or vine low in a tree. After the chicks hatch, both the male and female care for them.

Adult dusky antbirds measure about 14.5 cm in length and weigh around 18 grams. Males are predominantly blackish-grey on top and lighter grey underneath, with two white wing bars. Females, in contrast, have brown upperparts and rufous-cinnamon underparts. Juveniles, particularly young males, are darker than the adults. The specific coloration varies depending on the subspecies.

These birds are known for their distinctive calls. The male’s call is a whistled "kick" and their duet song with the female is quite unique. The male performs an ascending whistle that sounds like "pu pu pe pi pi" while the female responds with a softer, jerky "juu-ut juu-ut juu-ut juu-ut juu-ut." Dusky antbirds are typically seen in pairs throughout the year and rarely join mixed-species feeding flocks. They primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods, which they pick off twigs and leaves in dense thickets or vine tangles. Due to their preference for dense habitats, they are often easier to hear than to see.