Rufous-capped Antshrike (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)

Identification & Behavior: ~16 cm (6.2 in). The male Rufous-capped Antshrike has a rufous cap and wing. The mantle is olive brown. The underparts and tail are barred with black and gray. The female is similar but has unmarked rufous underparts and tail. It appears to favor humid scrub and second growth. The plumage of the male is somewhat unique, but the female is similar to a female Uniform Antshrike and Variable Antshrike.

Status: The Rufous-capped Antshrike is uncommon but local. It is distributed in two largely disjunct populations in northern and southern Peru; both on the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1800-3000 m. It also occurs in Br and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Batará de Gorro Rufo.

Sub-species: Rufous-capped Antshrike (Thamnophilus ruficapillus jaczewskii), Domaniewski, 1925.  N Peru (Cajamarca, Amazonas S of R Marañón, San Martín).
(Thamnophilus ruficapillus marcapatae), Hellmayr, 1912.  S Peru (Cuzco, Puno).

Meaning of Name: Thamnophilus: Gr. Thamnos= bush and philos= lover. ruficapillus: L. rufus= red, ruddy, rufous and capillus= hair of the head.

See more of the Family Thamnophilidae