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ANTWRENS (4 species). Diverse group of small, mostly arboreal antbirds with slender bills
(recalling wrens); feed low to high, mainly at mid-levels in understory and edge, often with mixed flocks.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (STIPPLETHROAT) Epinecrophylla ful
viventris 10–11cm. Understory of humid forest, adjacent taller second growth. In
pairs or family groups, foraging actively at low to mid-levels in leafy foliage, dead-
leaf clusters, vine tangles; often with mixed flocks of other antwrens, antvireos,
greenlets, tanagers. Note distinct buff-spotted wingbars, relatively stout bill, pale
eyes; male has bold black throat spotting. Cf. female White-flanked Antwren,
which has duller wingbars, gray cast to head, dark eyes. SOUNDS: Song an overall
slightly descending series of (usually 4–11) high, sharp, slightly lisping chips, tsip
tsip..., 4–5 notes/sec. Calls include single high lisping chips. STATUS: Fairly
common on Caribbean slope, locally to 1000m. (Honduras to w. Ecuador.)
*WESTERN WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN Myrmotherula [axillaris] melaena
9–10cm. Understory of humid forest, adjacent taller second growth. Mainly in
pairs, foraging at mid-levels in leafy foliage, vine tangles; often with mixed flocks.
White flank tufts of male typically conspicuous and distinctive; female usually
near male, has buff-spotted wingbars, grayish head, warm buffy underparts. Cf.
female Checker-throated Antwren. SOUNDS: Calls include a downslurred nasal
chew, typically doubled or trebled, chew teu, and a quick churring chatter. Song
an overall descending, steady series of (usually 10–19) slightly plaintive, often
overslurred whistles, péeu péeu..., 3–4/sec. STATUS: Fairly common to uncommon
on Caribbean slope, to 900m. (Honduras to nw. Amazonia.)
SLATY ANTWREN Myrmotherula schisticolor 10–11cm. Understory of humid
foothill forest, adjacent taller second growth. Typically in pairs, foraging at low
to mid-levels in foliage, mossy tangles; often with mixed flocks. Note white-
dotted wingbars and blackish throat of male (white shoulder tufts usually
concealed); female plain overall, with rather blank face, buffy underparts. Cf.
imm. male White-flanked Antwren (mainly lower elevation). Cf. larger, long-
tailed Dusky Antbird, which differs in behavior and voice. SOUNDS: Common
call a short, nasal, downslurred mewing meah or nyieh. Infrequently heard song
a short, measured series of (usually 2–9) rising, slightly nasal whistles, wiep,
wiep..., about 2/sec. STATUS: Fairly common on both slopes, mainly 700–2000m on Pacific slope
(uncommon in s. lowlands), 700–1700m on Caribbean slope. (Mexico to S America.)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN Microrhopias quixensis 11–12cm. Attractive,
long-tailed antwren of humid lowland forest and edge, adjacent second growth.
Usually in pairs or small groups moving actively at low to mid-levels in leafy
foliage and vine tangles; often independent of mixed flocks. Note bold white
wing spots, long graduated tail tipped white; concealed white back patch flared
in display. SOUNDS: Song a fairly rapid, overslurred bouncing-ball series of
(usually 9–17) high, thin, slightly squeaky or lisping chips, pii, pii, pii-pii-pii...,
1.5–3 secs; cadence can suggest Dusky Antbird, but notes much higher,
thinner. Varied calls are mostly chipping and piping whistles, including loud
clear tchip teeoo, a sharp liquid tew, and a harsh mew. STATUS: Fairly common on both slopes, to 1000m.
(Mexico to S America.)
