Stub-tailed Antbird
VU

Stub-tailed Antbird

Myrmeciza berlepschi

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stub-tailed_antbird

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Stub-tailed Antbird faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation across its limited range in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Agricultural expansion, particularly for banana plantations and cattle ranching, has fragmented its lowland forest habitat into isolated patches. The species' specialized foraging behavior, following army ant swarms in dense understory vegetation, makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and edge effects that alter forest structure.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Stub-tailed Antbird inhabits humid lowland forests and secondary growth areas from sea level to approximately 800 meters elevation. It prefers dense understory vegetation where it follows army ant swarms, particularly in areas with thick leaf litter and fallen logs that support diverse arthropod communities.

Other threatened species in Thamnophilidae

Ocellated AntbirdEN

Ocellated Antbird

Phaenostictus mcleannani

Unknown
Western AntvireoVU

Western Antvireo

Dysithamnus occidentalis

Unknown
Spiny-faced AntshrikeVU

Spiny-faced Antshrike

Xenornis setifrons

Unknown
White-streaked AntvireoVU

White-streaked Antvireo

Dysithamnus leucostictus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Stub-tailed Antbird classified as Vulnerable?
Stub-tailed Antbird is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Stub-tailed Antbird faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation across its limited range in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Agricultural expansion, particularly for banana plantations and cattle ranching, has fragmented its lowland forest habitat into isolated patches. The species' specialized foraging behavior, following army ant swarms in dense understory vegetation, makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and edge effects that alter forest structure.
Where does Stub-tailed Antbird live?
Stub-tailed Antbird occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Stub-tailed Antbird?
The main threats to Stub-tailed Antbird are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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