Antthrushes | Formicariidae

Miervogels | Formicáridos

Antthrushes are ground-dwelling songbirds of tropical America. One species occurs in the region, Black-faced Antthrush, which lives in humid forest on Trinidad. The bird has a compact body, long legs, a fairly short, straight bill and a short tail that is held cocked while walking. The plumage is mainly brown with a darker face and throat, a camouflage suited to the shaded forest floor. In posture and gait the bird resembles a small rail more than a thrush: it walks slowly and jerkily over the leaf litter, turning leaves in search of insects, spiders and other small invertebrates. Because the species is inconspicuous and seldom flies, the song is often the only sign of its presence: a clear, whistled note followed by a series of shorter, descending whistles. The nest is in a cavity in a tree trunk or stump, often close to the ground, and both parents share nesting duties. In practice identification is mainly by song and the walking, rail-like posture.