Thamnophilidae

Thamnophilidae is a family of small to medium-sized passerine birds native to the Neotropics and belonging to the suborder Tyranni (suboscines). The group is diverse and includes many species commonly known as antbirds, plus antshrikes, antwrens, and related forms. They occupy a wide range of forest habitats, from tropical lowlands to subtropical foothills, often favoring understory and mid-canopy niches, as well as secondary growth and forest edges.

Most thamnophilids have fairly subdued plumage—browns, olives, and grays predominate—though some species exhibit bolder patterns or striking markings. Bills are generally slender to moderately strong, adapted for insectivory, and feet are adapted for perching in dense vegetation. There is considerable variation in size and plumage between species, and in several cases males and females differ in appearance.

Ecology and behavior are notable for their foraging strategies. Many species feed by gleaning arthropods from foliage and exposed branches, while a distinctive behavior observed in a large subset is ant-following: some individuals accompany army ant swarms to take advantage of prey flushed by the ants. Not all thamnophilids follow ants; others forage independently. Nesting typically involves cup-shaped nests placed in shrubs or vines, with clutch sizes usually of two to three eggs and biparental care in many species.

Taxonomy within Thamnophilidae has undergone revision with molecular studies, leading to reclassification and the redistribution of species among genera. The family is of conservation concern in parts of its range, as habitat loss and fragmentation threaten many species, especially those with narrow habitat requirements.