Rufous-capped antshrike

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Rufous-capped antshrike (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)

The rufous-capped antshrike is a small bird in the antbird family, about 15–17 cm long and weighing 16–25 g. It lives in parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. It was first described by the French ornithologist Vieillot in 1816. It is closely related to the rufous-winged antshrike, and some scientists think they should be treated as one species.

Five subspecies are recognized in many classifications, with subtle differences in crown color and underparts. Males usually have a chestnut crown and buffy gray face; females are duller.

Habitat varies by region. In the Andes of Peru and northern Bolivia it favors semi-humid montane forest, scrub, and forest edges, often near water. In southern Bolivia and Argentina it also uses open forest along watercourses. In lowland Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina it is more often found in shrubs, hedgerows, and brushy areas, not deep forest, from sea level up to about 2400 m.

This species is mostly resident year-round, though some southern birds may move north in winter. It eats insects mainly, but fruit is eaten too. It usually forages in the understory within about 2 meters of the ground, alone or in pairs, hopping through vegetation and sometimes sallying from a perch to catch prey.

Breeding in the southern subspecies runs roughly October to February; nests are cup-shaped and hang from a branch fork. Clutch size is typically three eggs (sometimes two). Details of incubation and parental care are not well known. In Argentina, shiny cowbird nests can be parasitized.

Birdsong is regionally varied but often described as a light, accelerating series of short notes; calls include a rising whistle and a raspy chrr sound.

Conservation: both the northern and southern forms are listed as Least Concern by IUCN. They are fairly common across their ranges and can adapt to disturbed habitats, though populations are believed to be decreasing. The species occurs in several protected areas in Brazil and Argentina.