Brownish-headed Antbird

About the Brownish-headed Antbird

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. The 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). Later authors placed it in genus Percnostola. 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. A 2013 study finalized its move to genus Myrmelastes.

The brownish-headed antbird is monotypic. The 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... Wikipedia →