White-cheeked Antbird (Gymnopithys leucaspis)

Identification & Behavior: ~14.5cm (5.7 in). The White-cheeked Antbird has chestnut upperparts. The throat and center of the underparts are pure white bordered by black. It forages in the understory of terrra firme forest in Amazonia where it is almost always associated with Army ants. The bicolored plumage is distinctive but see the female Black-faced Antbird.

Status: The White-cheeked Antbird is fairly common and widespread in northern Amazonia, north of the Amazon River. It is known to range up to 800 m along the foothill of the Andes. The White-cheeked Antbird also occurs in Co, Ec, and Br.

Name in Spanish: Hormiguero de Mejilla Blanca.

Sub-species: White-cheeked Antbird (Gymnopithys leucaspis castaneus) J. T. Zimmer, 1937. SC Colombia (Putumayo), E Ecuador and N Peru (W of R Napo, N of R Marañón).
(Gymnopithys leucaspis lateralis) Todd, 1927. SE Colombia (E Caquetá E to S Guainía, S to Amazonas), extreme NE Peru (E of R Napo) and N Brazil N of R Amazon (E to R Negro).
(Gymnopithys leucaspis peruanus) J. T. Zimmer, 1937. NC Peru (S of R Marañón in S Amazonas, SW Loreto and San Martín).

Meaning of Name: Gymnopithys: Gr. Gumnos= bare, naked. leucaspis: Gr. Leukos= white and aspis,aspidos= shield.

See more of the Family Thamnophilidae