Variable Antshrike - Thamnophilus caerulescens

Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens

Brazilian name: Choca-da-mata

Male Variable Antshrike, Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, November 2008 - click for larger image

Brazil

The Variable Antshrike is well named because it is highly variable across its range from Peru and Bolivia to Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil. There is a disjunct population in north east Brazil. See the distribution map at xeno-canto.

There are 12 subspecies and there may be more than one species involved. Photos 1 and 2 are of a male of the nominate sub-species which is grey above with a black crown, white wing-bars, and white tips to the tail feathers. The wings have a browny tinge. Note that there is no tawny colouration on the flanks or crissum of this sub-species.

This is also the case in photo 3, a male of the sub-species T. c. cearensis photographed at the Serra de Baturité, Ceará.

Male Variable Antshrike, Serra de Baturité, Ceará, Brazil, October 2008 - click for larger image

It is normally found in the lower growth of forest often at the forest edges.

It is often seen lowering and raising its tail slowly and usually travels in pairs, sometimes forming part of a mixed flock.

Male Variable Antshrike, Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, Brazil, October 2022 - click for larger image

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