Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Scientific name definitions

The Slaty Antwren is found from southeast Mexico to northern Venezuela, and throughout the tropical Andes to northwest Bolivia; as such, it is the most widely distributed Myrmotherula outside of Amazonia. Its morphology and vocalizations suggest a close relationship with the Rio Suno Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris), and the Salvadori’s Antwren (Myrmotherula minor), both of which are extremely localized species, in upper Amazonia and southeast Brazil, respectively. Males are similar to those of both of the two last-named species, but are overall darker in coloration, with smaller white wing spotting, while females are rather brighter, more cinnamon, especially below, but show a fair degree of geographical variation between the three different subspecies. The Slaty Antwren occurs in the understory of montane and foothill forests, between at least 600 and 2400 m.

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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 consists of upslurred whistle sounding like “wheet”, repeated singly at intervals of 1·5–2 seconds, or in groups of 2–4 at shorter intervals (e.g. 0·9–1·2 seconds) with longer spaces between groups. Calls include downslurred nasal whine, given singly, also same type of note turned into nasal “chirr” by overtones; also sharp “chip” notes, sometimes strung together into twitter.