Caura Antbird Myrmelastes caurensis Scientific name definitions

Poorly differentiated morphologically from the Spot-winged Antbird (Schistocicla leucostigma), the Caura Antbird is the pantepui representative of the genus Schistocichla. It is almost endemic to southern Venezuela, but has a foothold in northernmost Brazil, in the state of Amazonas. The Caura Antbird differs from the allopatric Spot-winged Antbird only in the male’s red irides, both sexes slaty gray legs, and its larger size. However, the two species’ loudsongs are substantially different, and the Caura Antbird prefers very different habitat, which has been taken to suggest a comparatively ancient divergence. This habitat comprises humid evergreen or semideciduous forest, often on the slopes of tepuis, and characterised by a fairly open understory, with many boulders, bamboos, and woody vines. The birds frequently forage on the ground, tossing leaves aside to reveal their insect prey, as well as on the boulders. Some authors have suggested that the entire Spot-winged Antbird complex should be removed to the genus Percnostola, in which it was frequently placed in the first half of the 20th century.

18–19 cm; 39 g. Bill large. Male nominate race is slaty grey  , upperparts slightly tinged brown, wing-coverts tipped white; underwing-coverts grey; iris deep red. Female has crown, head side and chin dark grey, centre of feathers paler and tinged brown, upperparts and wings dark reddish yellow-brown, wing-coverts with large cinnamon-rufous tips, tail blackish-grey, underparts deep rufous, browner on flanks and crissum, underwing-coverts brown-tinged grey; iris dark brown. Race australis male has crown feathers edged pale, no brown tinge on upperparts, female paler, crown blackish-brown.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Loudsong a short series (e.g. 11 notes, 4 seconds) of short, buzzy (frequency-modulated) notes, initially flat, then dropping in pitch as intervals between notes shorten; female similar, but notes fewer, song often begun at end of male’s. Calls include downslurred buzzy “zhew”, sharp “quip”, and abbreviated rattle, often repeated after short intervals.