Species of bird
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The band-tailed antshrike (Thamnophilus melanothorax) is a species of bird in subfamily Thamnophilinae of family Thamnophilidae, the "typical antbirds". It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.
Taxonomy and systematics.
The band-tailed antshrike was described by the English zoologist Philip Sclater in 1857 and given the binomial name "Thamnophilus melanothorax". It was subsequently placed in the genus "Sakesphorus". A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2007 found that "Sakesphorus" was polyphyletic and that three species including the band-tailed antshrike were embedded within a clade containing members of "Thamnophilus". The band-tailed antshrike was therefore moved back to its original genus.
The band-tailed antshrike is monotypic.
Description.
The band-tailed antshrike is long; one individual weighed . Members of genus "Thamnophilus" are largish members of the antbird family; all have stout bills with a hook like those of true shrikes. Adult males are almost entirely black except for a hidden white patch between the scapulars, small white spots on the wing coverts, and the eponymous wide white band at the end of the tail. Adult females have a bright deep rufous crown, upperparts, wings, and tail. Their face, throat, and breast are black. The rest of their underparts are gray with a reddish brown cast on the flanks and crissum.
Distribution and habitat.
The band-tailed antshrike is found from southern Guyana across Suriname and French Guiana and into northeastern Brazil's Amapá state; there is also one good sight record near Manaus in Brazil's Amazonas state. It primarily inhabits the understorey of evergreen forest though it also occurs higher into the mid-storey. It favors dense vines and other vegetation growing in gaps made by fallen trees and abandoned human-made openings. It also occurs in swampy depressions and in dense riverside thickets. In elevation it ranges from near sea level to .
Behavior.
Movement.
The band-tailed antshrike is thought to be a year-round resident throughout its range.
Feeding.
The band-tailed antshrike's diet is not well known but is assumed to be insects and other small arthropods. It forages singly or in pairs and seldom as part of a mixed-species feeding flock. It forages mostly in dense cover on and near the ground up to about high. It feeds by gleaning from vegetation, vines, branches, and the ground.
Breeding.
Nothing is known about the band-tailed antshrike's breeding biology.
Vocalization.
The band-tailed antshrike's song is a "slow, slightly accelerating series of 7-9 low, hollow 'ah' notes". Its call is "a muffled, nasal growl, sometimes doubled".
Status.
The IUCN has assessed the band-tailed antshrike as being of Least Concern. It has a large range; its population size is not known and is believed to be decreasing. No immediate threats have been identified. It "[a]ppears to be a rare, low-density species throughout its range" but "there would appear to be large intact areas of potentially suitable habitat remaining in Surinam [sic], French Guiana and Brazil (Amapá)".
References.
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