Restinga Antwren

Restinga Antbird ( Formicivora littoralis )

The Restinga Antbird ( Formicivora littoralis ) is a rare species of bird in the family of ant birds. The taxon was established in 1990 as a subspecies of mountain ant catcher ( Formicivora serrana ) and is described since 1992 as an independent art

Description

The Restinga Ameisenfänger reaches a length of 12.5 centimeters. Head, neck and underside of the male are black. The shoulders are characterized by two or three narrow white wing bars. The back is dark gray to black. The white flank feathers are usually obscured. The tail is black with small white Apikalflecken. The female has a rust-brown top, a darker upper head and a broad black face mask. The eyebrows are white. The wings are dark. The underside is beige - cream color. The tail coloration is similar to the male. The song consists of rapid series of deep thiúk tones. The call is a shrill nasal kiu kiu - kiu -.

Distribution and habitat

The Restinga Ameisenfänger is endemic in the Cabo Frio coast region at Arraial do Cabo and on the Ilha do Cabo Frio in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro east of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Its habitat is the Restinga, a dune landscape, which is dominated by shrubs, cacti and bromeliads.

Way of life

The Restinga Ameisenfänger is usually in pairs in search of food and feeds mainly on ants. He remains close to the ground in dense undergrowth. Nests were discovered on the Ilha do Cabo Frio in June, October and November. However, the breeding season is not limited to a particular season. The nest is built of fibers and horizontal built-in branch forks. The nest consists of two eggs, and both parents care for the young are reared.

Status

The Restinga Ameisenfänger comes in a restricted habitat ago with an area of 205 km ², which is threatened by the construction of holiday homes and of the salt industry. BirdLife International estimates the stock to 250 to 1000 individuals. Protected areas are located in Jacarepiá, Maçambaba and on the Ilha do Cabo Frio.