Black-hooded antshrike

Thamnophilus bridgesi

Photo by Norbert Sauberer (Internet Bird Collection)

Common name:

black-hooded antshrike (en); choca-de-capuz (pt); batara capucin (fr); batará negruzco (es); kapuzenameisenwürger (de)

Taxonomy:

Order Passeriformes

Family Thamnophilidae

Range:

This species is only found in the southern Pacific lowlands and foothills of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Size:

These birds are 14-16 cm long and weigh 22-24 g.

Habitat:

These birds are mostly found along the edges of rainforests, in mangroves and second growth forests.

Diet:

Black-hooded antshrikes glean insects and spider from leaves.

Breeding:

They mostly breed in April-July. They nest on a deep, thin-walled cup, suspended from the surrounding vegetation, where the female lays 2 eggs. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 14-16 days and the chicks fledge 9-11 days after hatching.

Conservation:

IUCN status – LC (Least Concern)

Although the black-hooded antshrike has a restricted breeding range, it is described as fairly common. This population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction, but it is not considered threatened at present.