antwren

Antwren is a common name given to small passerine birds belonging to the family Thamnophilidae, the antbirds. This family is a diverse group of suboscine songbirds found in the tropical and subtropical Americas. Antwrens are characterized by their relatively small size, often measuring between 10 to 15 centimeters in length, and their typically slender build. Their plumage varies widely depending on the species, but many exhibit intricate patterns of barring, streaking, or spots, often in shades of brown, gray, black, and white. Sexual dimorphism is common, with males and females sometimes displaying different colorations.

These birds are primarily insectivorous, with their diet consisting mainly of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They often forage in the understory and mid-story of forests, actively searching for prey among foliage, branches, and on the ground. Many antwrens are known to follow army ant swarms, feeding on the insects and other small creatures disturbed by the ants. Their calls are usually sharp chirps or trills. Antwrens are typically found in a variety of forested habitats, including lowland rainforests, cloud forests, and secondary growth. They are generally sedentary, with limited dispersal. The classification and number of species within the antwren group are subject to ongoing taxonomic research and can vary between different authorities.