Black Antbird

The Black Antbird occurs in the humid lowland forests of eastern Ecuador, typically below 1,300 meters, where it inhabits terra firme and várzea forest understory, favoring densely vegetated edges, bamboo thickets, and treefall gaps. It is generally uncommon and elusive, often detected by its sharp vocalizations rather than by sight, as it forages near the ground for insects and spiders. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad western Amazonian range and a stable population, though its preference for intact forest may make it sensitive to deforestation. Natural history observations highlight its dark plumage, subtle sexual dimorphism, and year-round residency, with nesting behavior still poorly documented.