The brownish-headed antbird (Myrmelastes brunneiceps) is a species of passerine bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Bolivia and Peru.[2]
| Brownish-headed antbird | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Thamnophilidae |
| Genus: | Myrmelastes |
| Species: | M. brunneiceps
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| Binomial name | |
| Myrmelastes brunneiceps (Zimmer, 1931)
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| Synonyms | |
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Taxonomy and systematics
editThe brownish-headed antbird has a complicated taxonomic history. It was described by John T. Zimmer as Schistocichla leucostigma brunneiceps, a subspecies of the spot-winged antbird (now M. leucostigma).[3] Later authors placed it in genus Percnostola.[4] A 2007 study of the vocal characteristics of the then many subspecies of the spot-winged found significant differences between the taxa. Based on this evidence the brownish-headed antbird was promoted to species status and given its English name.[5][6] A 2013 study finalized its move to genus Myrmelastes.[7]
Description
editThe brownish-headed antbird is 14 to 16 cm (5.5 to 6.3 in) long. Males have dark gray upperparts. Their wings and tail are blackish gray with wide white tips on the wing coverts. Their throat and underparts are medium gray. Females have a dark brown crown and face. Their upperparts are olive-brown. Their wings and tail are blackish brown with pale cinnamon-rufous tips on the wing coverts. Their throat and belly are dark tawny and their flanks and undertail coverts olive-brown.[8][9]
Distribution and habitat
editThe brownish-headed antbird is found in the southeastern Peruvian departments of Cuzco, Madre de Dios, and Puno and in west-central La Paz Department in far west-central Bolivia. It primarily inhabits the floor and understorey of terra firme evergreen forest. Within the forest it favors poorly drained areas and areas along small watercourses. In elevation it occurs as high as about 1,400 m (4,600 ft).[8][9]
Behavior
editMovement
editThe brownish-headed antbird is believed to be a year-round resident throughout its range.[8]
Feeding
editThe brownish-headed antbird's diet and foraging behavior are not known but are assumed to be very similar or identical to those of its former "parent" the spot-winged antbird, which see here.[8]
Breeding
editThe brownish-headed antbird's nest is a deep open bag slung between supports. The clutch size is two eggs which are whitish with heavy dark mauve to purplish brown markings. Nothing else is known about the species' breeding biology.[8]
Vocalization
editThe brownish-headed antbird's song is "a rapid, accelerating, series of high ringing notes: tee tee-ti-ti-ti’ti’ti’i’i’I’I’I’i’i’i’i’i’i’ew".[9] The species' calls apparently are the same as those of the spot-winged antbird, which include a "long, downslurred, typically frequency-modulated whistle", an "abrupt unclear note given singly or in series of 2–5", and a "short rattle".[8][10]
Status
editThe IUCN has assessed the brownish-headed antbird as being of Least Concern. Its population size is not known and is believed to be stable. No immediate threats have been identified.[1] It is considered uncommon across most of its range, which includes several protected areas. "Regions inhabited by species also encompass extensive areas of intact habitat which are not formally protected, but seem unlikely to be threatened by development in the near future."[8]
References
edit- ^ a b BirdLife International (2016). "Brownish-headed Antbird Myrmelastes brunneiceps". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22736163A95125619. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22736163A95125619.en. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ a b Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (January 2024). "Antbirds". IOC World Bird List. v 14.1. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ Zimmer, John T. (1931). "Studies of Peruvian Birds . I". American Museum Novitates (500): 19–20. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ Remsen, J. V., Jr., J. I. Areta, E. Bonaccorso, S. Claramunt, G. Del-Rio, A. Jaramillo, D. F. Lane, M. B. Robbins, F. G. Stiles, and K. J. Zimmer. Version 27 July 2024. A classification of the bird species of South America. American Ornithological Society. https://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm retrieved July 28, 2024
- ^ Isler, M.L.; Isler, P.R.; Whitney, B.M.; Zimmer, K.J. (2007). "Species limits in the "Schistocichla" complex of Percnostola antbirds (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)". Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 119 (1): 53–70. doi:10.1676/05-121.1. S2CID 84340283.
- ^ "Proposal (301): Elevate subspecies humaythae, brunneiceps, and rufifacies (within Schistocichla leucostigma) to species rank". South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society. 2006. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
- ^ Isler, M.L., Bravo, G.A. and Brumfield, R.T. (2013). Taxonomic revision of Myrmeciza (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) into 12 genera based on phylogenetic, morphological, behavioral, and ecological data. Zootaxa 3717(4): 469–497.
- ^ a b c d e f g del Hoyo, J., N. Collar, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Brownish-headed Antbird (Myrmelastes brunneiceps), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.brhant1.01 retrieved July 30, 2024
- ^ a b c Schulenberg, T.S., D.F. Stotz, D.F. Lane, J.P. O’Neill, and T.A. Parker III. 2010. Birds of Peru. Revised and updated edition. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Plate 171.
- ^ Zimmer, K., M.L. Isler, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Spot-winged Antbird (Myrmelastes leucostigma), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.spwant3.01 retrieved July 29, 2024